JP2021192990A - Attachment body and liquid jet system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique that can improve a posture of attachment of a liquid storage body to a liquid jet device.SOLUTION: A liquid storage body has flexibility and comprises a storage part for storing liquid and a connection member. The connection member is provided with: a liquid introduction port into which a liquid lead-in part is inserted; a storage body-side electric connection part that electrically connects to a device-side electric connection part while receiving at least force in a +Z direction from the device-side electric connection part; a first receiving part that receives a first positioning part; a second receiving part that receives a second positioning part; and a recessed part that stores a protruding part of a case. The recessed part and the storage body-side electric connection part are formed at a position where at least portions of the parts overlap with each other when viewed in a Z direction in a posture of attachment of the body to a liquid jet device, where a width in the Z direction of the liquid storage body is smaller than a width in a Y direction and a width in an X direction, in the posture of the attachment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid container and a liquid injection system.

As one aspect of the liquid container, a so-called ink pack is known (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 below). The ink pack stores ink supplied to an inkjet printer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “printer”), which is an aspect of a liquid injection device, in a flexible container. Some printers to which the ink pack is mounted are equipped with a case such as a tray in which the ink pack is placed. In such a printer, by arranging the ink pack in a case and mounting the ink pack on the printer together with the case, an ink supply path and an electrical communication path between the ink pack and the printer are established.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-279876 International Publication WO2013 / 105504 Pamphlet Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-240182

It is desirable that the ink pack be mounted on the printer in a predetermined and appropriate posture. If the mounting posture is not appropriate, it may not be possible to establish the ink supply path and the electrical communication path of the printer. Further, it is feared that the connection state of the ink supply path and the electrical communication path becomes unstable, and the connection state deteriorates with the passage of time. In addition, when connecting to a printer, excessive stress may be generated due to contact with the components on the printer side, resulting in damage or deterioration. Research has been conducted on improving the mounting posture of ink packs for printers, but there is still room for improvement. These problems are not limited to the ink pack and the printing system including the ink pack and the printer, but are common to the liquid container and the liquid injection system including the liquid container and the liquid injection device.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following forms.

[1] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a liquid container to be mounted on a liquid injection device is provided. The direction parallel to the gravity direction is the Z direction, the same direction as the gravity direction in the Z direction is the + Z direction, the direction opposite to the gravity direction in the Z direction is the −Z direction, and the Z direction. The direction orthogonal to the direction is the Y direction, one of the Y directions is the + Y direction, the other direction of the Y direction is the −Y direction, and the Z direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to each other. The direction is defined as the X direction, one of the X directions is defined as the + X direction, and the other direction of the X direction is defined as the −X direction. The liquid injection device may include a housing, a case, a device-side fixing structure, a liquid introduction section, a device-side electrical connection section, a first positioning section, and a second positioning section. The housing may be provided with a case storage portion inside. The case may be inserted into the case accommodating portion by moving along the + Y direction. The case may have a convex portion and a case-side fixed structure. The convex portion may project toward the −Z direction at the end portion on the + Y direction side. The case-side fixed structure may include an internal space of the convex portion. The case-side fixing structure engages with the device-side fixing structure in a state where the case is attached to the case storage portion and a force is applied to the case toward the −Z direction. Then, the movement of the case in the −Y direction may be restricted. The liquid introduction portion may be located at the end portion of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side. The device-side electrical connection portion may be located at the end portion of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side. The first positioning portion and the second positioning portion extend from the end portion of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side toward the −Y direction side, and each other in the X direction with the liquid introduction portion interposed therebetween. It may be provided at a separated position. The liquid container may be configured to be removable from the case of the liquid injection device. The liquid accommodating body may include an accommodating portion and a connecting member. The accommodating portion is flexible and may accommodate a liquid. The connecting member may be located at the end on the + Y direction side when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid injection device. The connecting member may be provided with a liquid outlet, an electrical connection portion on the housing side, a first receiving portion, a second receiving portion, and a recess. In the liquid outlet, the liquid introduction portion may be inserted in the + Y direction in the mounted state. The housing-side electrical connection may electrically contact the device-side electrical connection while receiving a force having at least the + Z-direction component from the device-side electrical connection in the mounted state. The first receiving unit may receive the first positioning unit in the mounted state. The second receiving portion may receive the second positioning portion in the mounted state. The concave portion is recessed in the −Z direction in the mounted state, and the convex portion of the holder portion may be accommodated. The recess and the electrical connection portion on the housing side may be formed at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps with each other when viewed in the Z direction in the posture of the mounted state. In the mounted posture, the width of the liquid container in the Z direction may be smaller than the width in the Y direction and the width in the X direction.
According to this form of the liquid container, at least a part of the force in the + Z direction received from the device-side electrical connection by the container-side electrical connection is such that the device-side fixing structure is on the case side to form the case engaged state. It is reduced by the force applied to the fixed structure in the -Z direction. Therefore, the component of the force applied to the liquid container in the Z direction is reduced, the arrangement posture of the liquid container is suppressed from deviating from the proper posture in the Z direction, and the liquid container with respect to the liquid injection device is prevented from being displaced. The connection status is improved. Further, since it is suppressed that unnecessary stress is generated at the connection portion between the liquid injection device and the liquid container due to the deterioration of the arrangement posture of the liquid container, damage / deterioration of the connection portion is suppressed. Further, according to this form of the liquid container, the width in the Z direction is smaller than the width in the other X and Y directions in the mounted posture, so that the arrangement posture of the liquid container on the case is more favorable. Stabilize. Therefore, the connection state of the liquid container to the liquid injection device is further improved.

[2] In the liquid container of the above embodiment, the container-side electrical connection portion has a contact surface that contacts the device-side electrical connection portion in the mounted state, and the normal vector of the contact surface is the liquid storage. When the body is put into the wearing posture, it may have the vector component in the −Z direction and the vector component in the + Y direction. According to this form of the liquid container, the force when the case moves in the + Y direction can be used to form an electrical connection state between the electrical connection on the housing side and the electrical connection on the device side. It is possible to improve the electrical connectivity between the electrical connection on the housing side and the electrical connection on the device side.

[3] In the liquid container of the above form, the first receiving portion is located on the −X direction side with respect to the liquid outlet when the liquid container is placed in the mounted posture, and the second receiving portion is located. May be located on the + X direction side with respect to the liquid outlet. According to this form of the liquid container, when the liquid container is attached to the liquid injection device, the liquid outlet port of the liquid container to the liquid introduction part of the liquid injection device is X by the pair of positioning portions and the pair of receiving portions. Positioning accuracy in the direction is improved. Therefore, the connectivity between the liquid introduction portion and the liquid outlet is improved.

[4] In the liquid container of the above form, the liquid outlet and the first receiving portion are provided in the X direction when the electrical connection portion on the housing side and the recess are placed in the mounted posture. It may be located in between. According to this form of the liquid container, the pair of positioning portions and the pair of receiving portions position the liquid outlet port with respect to the liquid introduction portion in the X direction, as well as the positioning of the electrical connection portion on the housing side with respect to the electrical connection portion on the device side. The accuracy is improved. Therefore, the connectivity with the liquid introduction portion and the electrical connectivity of the device-side electrical connection portion and the housing-side electrical connection portion are improved. In addition, the distance between the first receiving part and the second receiving part in the X direction becomes larger by the amount that the electric connection part and the recess on the accommodating body side are provided between the liquid outlet and the first receiving part. The positioning accuracy of the pair of positioning portions and the pair of receiving portions is further improved.

[5] In the liquid container of the above embodiment, the first receiving portion has a first opening through which the first positioning portion is inserted, and the second receiving portion is a second opening through which the second positioning portion is inserted. In the mounted posture, the opening width of the second opening in the X direction may be larger than the opening width of the first opening in the X direction. According to this form of the liquid container, the second positioning unit is inserted into the second receiving unit, and the angle in the X direction when the positioning is started can be provided with a margin, so that the liquid can be stored in the liquid injection device. It can improve the connectivity of the body. In addition, such a margin can also relieve the stress generated at the contact points of the liquid injection device and the liquid container when they are connected to each other.

[6] According to the second aspect of the present invention, a liquid injection system is provided. The liquid injection system may include a liquid injection device and a liquid container. The direction parallel to the gravity direction is the Z direction, the same direction as the gravity direction in the Z direction is the + Z direction, the direction opposite to the gravity direction in the Z direction is the −Z direction, and the Z direction. The direction orthogonal to the Y direction is the Y direction, one of the Y directions is the + Y direction, the other direction of the Y direction is the −Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction. Is defined as the X direction, one of the X directions is defined as the + X direction, and the other direction of the X direction is defined as the −X direction. The liquid injection device may include a housing, a case, a device-side fixing structure, a liquid introduction section, a device-side electrical connection section, a first positioning section, and a second positioning section. A case storage portion may be provided inside the housing. The case portion may be inserted into the case storage portion by moving along the + Y direction. The case may have a convex portion and a case-side fixed structure. The convex portion may project toward the −Z direction at the end portion on the + Y direction side. The case-side fixed structure may include an internal space of the convex portion. The device-side fixing structure engages with the case-side fixing structure in a state where the case is attached to the case storage portion and a force is applied to the case toward the −Z direction. Then, the movement of the case in the −Y direction may be restricted. The liquid introduction portion may be located at the end portion of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side. The device-side electrical connection may be located at the + Y-direction end of the case housing. The first positioning portion and the second positioning portion extend from the end portion of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side toward the −Y direction side, and each other in the X direction with the liquid introduction portion interposed therebetween. It may be provided at a separated position. The liquid container may be configured to be removable from the case. The liquid accommodating body may include an accommodating portion and a connecting member. The accommodating portion is flexible and may accommodate a liquid. The connecting member may be located at the end on the + Y direction side when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid injection device. The connecting member may be provided with a liquid outlet, an electrical connection portion on the housing side, a first receiving portion, a second receiving portion, and a recess. In the liquid outlet, the liquid introduction portion may be inserted in the + Y direction in the mounted state. The housing-side electrical connection may electrically contact the device-side electrical connection while receiving a force having at least the + Z-direction component from the device-side electrical connection in the mounted state. The first receiving unit may receive the first positioning unit in the mounted state. The second receiving portion may receive the second positioning portion in the mounted state. The recess may be recessed in the −Z direction in the mounted state, and the convex portion of the case may be accommodated. The recess and the electrical connection portion on the housing side may be formed at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps with each other when viewed in the Z direction in the posture of the mounted state. In the mounted posture, the width of the liquid container in the Z direction may be smaller than the width in the Y direction and the width in the X direction.
According to this form of the liquid injection system, in the liquid container, at least a part of the force in the + Z direction received by the electrical connection on the housing side from the electrical connection on the device side is fixed on the device side in order to form the engaged state of the case. The structure is reduced by the force applied to the case-side fixed structure in the -Z direction. Therefore, the component of the force applied to the liquid container in the Z direction is reduced, the arrangement posture of the liquid container is suppressed from deviating from the proper posture in the Z direction, and the liquid container with respect to the liquid injection device is prevented from being displaced. The connection status is improved. Further, since it is suppressed that unnecessary stress is generated at the connection portion between the liquid injection device and the liquid container due to the deterioration of the arrangement posture of the liquid container, damage / deterioration of the connection portion is suppressed. Further, according to this form of the liquid injection system, the width in the Z direction of the liquid container when in the mounted posture is smaller than the width in the other X and Y directions, so that the liquid container is on the case of the liquid container. The placement posture at is more stable. Therefore, the connection state of the liquid container to the liquid injection device is further improved.

[7] In the liquid injection system of the above embodiment, the housing-side electrical connection portion has a contact surface that contacts the device-side electrical connection portion in the mounted state, and the normal vector of the contact surface is the liquid storage. When the body is put into the wearing posture, it may have the vector component in the −Z direction and the vector component in the + Y direction. According to this form of the liquid injection system, the force when the case moves in the + Y direction can be used to form an electrical connection state between the electrical connection portion on the housing side and the electrical connection portion on the device side. It is possible to improve the electrical connectivity between the electrical connection on the housing side and the electrical connection on the device side.

[8] In the liquid injection system of the above embodiment, when the liquid container is placed in the mounted posture, the first receiving portion is located on the −X direction side with respect to the liquid outlet. The second receiving portion may be located on the + X direction side with respect to the liquid outlet. According to this form of the liquid injection system, when the liquid container is attached to the liquid injection device, the X of the liquid outlet of the liquid container to the liquid introduction part of the liquid injection device is provided by the pair of positioning portions and the pair of receiving portions. Positioning accuracy in the direction is improved. Therefore, the connectivity between the liquid introduction portion and the liquid outlet is improved.

[9] In the liquid injection system of the above embodiment, the liquid inlet and the recess are provided with the liquid outlet and the recess in the X direction when the liquid container is in the mounted position. 1 It may be located between the receiving part. According to this form of the liquid injection system, the pair of positioning portions and the pair of receiving portions position the liquid outlet port with respect to the liquid introduction portion in the X direction, as well as the positioning of the electrical connection portion on the housing side with respect to the electrical connection portion on the device side. The accuracy is improved. Therefore, the connectivity with the liquid introduction portion and the electrical connectivity of the device-side electrical connection portion and the housing-side electrical connection portion are improved. Further, in order to provide an electrical connection portion and a recess on the accommodating body side between the liquid outlet and the first receiving portion, a pair is provided by increasing the distance between the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion in the X direction. The positioning accuracy in the X direction by the positioning unit and the pair of receiving units is further improved.

[10] In the liquid injection system of the above embodiment, the first receiving portion has a first opening through which the first positioning portion is inserted, and the second receiving portion is a second opening through which the second positioning portion is inserted. In the posture of the liquid container in the mounted state, the opening width of the second opening in the X direction may be larger than the opening width of the first opening in the X direction. According to this form of the liquid injection system, it is possible to allow a margin in the angle in the X direction when the second positioning portion is inserted into the second receiving portion, so that the connectivity of the liquid container to the liquid injection device can be improved. Can be improved. In addition, such a margin can also relieve the stress generated at the contact points of the liquid injection device and the liquid container when they are connected to each other.

[11] In the liquid injection system of the above embodiment, when the device-side fixed structure and the case-side fixed structure are in an engaged state in which they are engaged with each other, the case is pushed in the + Y direction, whereby the said. It may be configured to disengage the engagement state and allow the case to move in the −Y direction. According to this liquid injection system, the operation of attaching and detaching the liquid container to and from the liquid injection device is simplified, so that the convenience of the user is enhanced.

The plurality of components of each embodiment of the invention described above are not all essential, and may be used to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems, or part or all of the effects described herein. In order to achieve the above, it is possible to change, delete, replace a part of the plurality of components with new other components, and partially delete the limited contents, as appropriate. Further, in order to solve a part or all of the above-mentioned problems, or to achieve a part or all of the effects described in the present specification, the technical features included in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention. It is also possible to combine some or all with some or all of the technical features contained in the other embodiments of the invention described above to form an independent embodiment of the invention.

The present invention can also be realized in various forms other than the liquid container and the liquid injection system. For example, it can be realized in the form of a connection method and a connection structure of a liquid container in a liquid injection device or a liquid injection device. In addition, in this specification, a "system" means a configuration mode in which a plurality of components cooperate with each other in order to exert one or a plurality of functions. The "system" is not only a mode in which some or all of a plurality of components are arranged and cooperated with each other at a distant place, but also a mode in which a plurality of components cooperate with each other in a single device. Is also included.

The schematic perspective view which shows the appearance structure of the liquid injection device. The first schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of a liquid injection device. The second schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of a liquid injection device. The schematic perspective view which shows the liquid supply part extracted. The schematic perspective view which shows by pulling out the connection receiving part provided with the liquid supply part. The schematic perspective view which shows the 1st liquid container in the state which is arranged in the 1st case. A first schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the first liquid container is taken out from the first case. A second schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the first liquid container is taken out from the first case. The schematic perspective view which shows by extracting the vicinity of the connection member of the 1st case. Schematic perspective view showing the vicinity of the electrical connection portion on the housing side. The first schematic perspective view which shows the lid member of the 1st case. A second schematic perspective view showing the lid member of the first case. The schematic which shows the front wall part of the 1st case. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the lower surface side of the bottom wall part of the 1st case. The schematic perspective view which shows the 2nd liquid container in the state which is arranged in the 2nd case. A first schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the second liquid container is taken out from the second case. A second schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the second liquid container is taken out from the second case. The schematic view when the 2nd liquid container in the state which was arranged in the 2nd case is seen in the −Y direction. The schematic which shows the front wall part of the 2nd case. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the lower surface side of the bottom wall part of the 2nd case. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the attachment mechanism of the liquid container with respect to the connection receiving part. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the mechanism until the engagement of the engaging part with the engaged part is completed. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the mechanism at the time of releasing the engagement state between the engagement part and the engagement part. The first schematic diagram for demonstrating the method of packing a liquid container. The first schematic diagram for demonstrating the method of packing a liquid container. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the liquid container of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the liquid container of 3rd Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the liquid container of 4th Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the case of 5th Embodiment. The first schematic diagram which shows the liquid container and the case in 6th Embodiment. A second schematic showing a liquid container and a case according to a sixth embodiment. A third schematic diagram showing a liquid container and a case according to a sixth embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the 1st combination example of a liquid container and a case as a 7th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the 2nd combination example of a liquid container and a case as a 7th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the 3rd combination example of a liquid container and a case as a 7th Embodiment.

A. First Embodiment:
In the first embodiment, the configuration of the liquid injection device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Further, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 20, the configuration of the liquid container 100 mounted on the liquid injection device 10 will be described together with the configuration of the case 61 used for mounting the liquid container 100. In the present specification, the liquid injection device 10 in a state where the liquid container 100 is mounted is also referred to as a “liquid injection system 11”.

A1. Liquid sprayer configuration:
[Appearance configuration of liquid injection device]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of a liquid injection device 10 constituting the liquid injection system 11. FIG. 1 shows arrows X, Y, Z indicating three directions orthogonal to each other. It should be noted that the arrows X, Y, and Z are appropriately illustrated in each of the other figures referred to in the present specification in correspondence with FIG.

The directions indicated by the arrows X, Y, and Z correspond to the arrangement posture of the liquid injection device 10 in the normal use state. The normal use state of the liquid injection device 10 means a state when the liquid injection device 10 is arranged on a horizontal plane and used. Hereinafter, the directions indicated by the arrows X, Y, and Z are referred to as "X direction", "Y direction", and "Z direction", respectively. Of each X direction, one direction is called "+ X direction" and the other direction is called "-X direction". Similarly, regarding the Y and Z directions, one direction is referred to as "+ Y direction" and "+ Z direction", and the other direction is referred to as "-Y direction" and "-Z direction".

The X, Y, and Z directions will be described in the order of the Z direction, the Y direction, and the X direction. The Z direction indicates a direction parallel to the direction of gravity. The + Z direction is the direction of gravity, and the −Z direction is the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. The Z direction coincides with the vertical direction (height direction) of the liquid injection device 10. In the following description, when the liquid injection device 10 is referred to as "up" or "down", it means the up-down direction with respect to the direction of arrow Z unless otherwise specified, and "up" means the −Z direction. Means, and "down" means the + Z direction.

The Y direction indicates a direction parallel to the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the liquid injection device 10. The + Y direction is the direction from the front side to the back side of the liquid injection device 10, and the −Y direction is conversely the direction from the back side to the front side of the liquid injection device 10. In the following description, when the liquid injection device 10 is referred to as "front" or "rear", it means the front-back direction with respect to the direction of the arrow Y unless otherwise specified, and "front" means the -Y direction. Means, and "after" means the + Y direction.

The X direction indicates a direction parallel to the left-right direction (width direction) of the liquid injection device 10. The + X direction corresponds to the direction from the right side to the left side when facing the front surface of the liquid injection device 10, and the −X direction conversely corresponds to the direction from the left side to the right side. In the following description, when the liquid injection device 10 is referred to as "right" or "left", it means the left-right direction with respect to the direction of arrow X unless otherwise specified, and "right" means the -X direction. And "left" means the + X direction.

In the following description, the X, Y, and Z directions in the description of the components (case 61, liquid container 100, etc.) separable from the liquid injection device 10 are all liquid injections under normal use conditions. It is based on the posture in the mounted state properly mounted on the device 10.

In the present embodiment, the liquid injection device 10 is an inkjet printer, and the liquid injection system 11 is an inkjet printing system. The liquid consumed by the injection in the liquid injection device 10 of the present embodiment is ink. The liquid injection device 10 forms an image by ejecting ink droplets and recording ink dots on a medium to be processed. The medium is, for example, printing paper. The liquid injection device 10 of the present embodiment includes a housing 10c which is a hollow box made of resin constituting the exterior of the liquid injection device 10. The housing 10c has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The front surface portion 12, which faces the −Y direction and is supposed to face when the user operates the liquid injection device 10, includes an operation unit 13, a medium discharge port 14, a medium receiving unit 15, and a medium. A storage port 16, a medium storage unit 17, and a cover member 18 are provided.

The operation unit 13 has a display unit 13i that displays information for the user, and a plurality of operation buttons 13b that accept the user's operation. The medium discharge port 14 is an outlet of the medium delivered from the inside of the liquid injection device 10. The medium discharge port 14 is formed as a slit-shaped opening having a wide width in the X direction, and is open in the −Y direction. The medium receiving unit 15 projects in an eaves shape in the −Y direction under the medium discharging port 14, and receives the medium discharged from the medium discharging port 14.

The medium storage port 16 is an opening for the user to replenish the medium to the liquid injection device 10. In the present embodiment, the medium storage port 16 opens in the −Y direction below the medium receiving portion 15, and has a substantially rectangular opening shape wide in the X direction. The medium storage unit 17 is a tray-shaped member that stores the stock of the medium that is the processing target medium in the present embodiment. The medium storage unit 17 is stored in the medium storage port 16 with its front surface visible from the outside of the liquid injection device 10 via the medium storage port 16. The user stores the medium in the medium storage unit 17 pulled out from the liquid injection device 10 in the −Y direction via the medium storage port 16, and again loads the medium storage unit 17 from the medium storage port 16 into the medium storage port 16. By doing so, the medium can be replenished to the liquid injection device 10.

The cover member 18 is a resin plate-shaped member that constitutes a part of the exterior of the liquid injection device 10. In the present embodiment, the cover member 18 has a substantially rectangular shape having a wide width in the X direction, and is arranged below the medium storage port 16. The cover member 18 has a claw portion (not shown) on the outer peripheral edge thereof, and is detachably attached to the housing 10c. The cover member 18 covers and protects a plurality of liquid containers 100 housed inside the liquid injection device 10.

[Internal configuration of liquid injection device]
An outline of the internal configuration of the liquid injection device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 in order. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the liquid injection device 10 when the housing 10c and the cover member 18 are removed and the liquid injection device 10 is viewed in the + Y direction. FIG. 2 shows an extraction of the control unit 20, the injection execution unit 30, the medium transfer unit 35, the liquid supply unit 40, and the case storage unit 60 among the main components of the liquid injection device 10. It is shown. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the liquid injection device 10 when the housing 10c and the cover member 18 are removed and the liquid injection device 10 is viewed in the + Z direction. In FIG. 3, the control unit 20, the injection execution unit 30, and the medium transfer unit 35 shown in FIG. 2 are not shown. Further, in FIG. 3, for convenience, a state in which each of the plurality of liquid accommodating bodies 100 is pulled out in the −Y direction together with the case 61 from the arrangement area LA, which is the mounting position where the liquid injection device 10 has been mounted, is illustrated. be.

The liquid injection device 10 includes a control unit 20, an injection execution unit 30, a medium transfer unit 35, a liquid supply unit 40, and a case storage unit 60 (FIG. 2). In the liquid injection device 10, the liquid is supplied from the liquid container 100 housed in the case storage unit 60 to the injection execution unit 30 via the supply pipe 42 of the liquid supply unit 40. Then, the injection execution unit 30 ejects the liquid to the medium MP that the medium transfer unit 35 feeds out from the medium storage unit 17 and conveys the liquid, so that a printed image is formed on the medium MP. The control unit 20, the injection execution unit 30, the medium transfer unit 35, the liquid supply unit 40, and the case storage unit 60 will be described in order.

[Control unit]
The control unit 20 controls the drive of each component in the liquid injection device 10. The control unit 20 is composed of at least a microcomputer including a central processing unit and a main storage device, and the central processing unit exerts various functions by reading and executing various programs in the main storage device. The functions of the control unit 20 will be described in sequence.

[Injection execution unit]
The injection execution unit 30 includes a head unit 31 and a plurality of tubes 32 (FIG. 2). The head unit 31 receives a liquid supply from the liquid supply unit 40 via the plurality of tubes 32. The liquid supply mechanism from the liquid supply unit 40 will be described later. The head unit 31 includes a liquid chamber (not shown) for accommodating the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit 40. A nozzle 33 that opens downward is provided on the bottom surface of the liquid chamber. Under the control of the control unit 20, the head unit 31 ejects the liquid in the liquid chamber from the nozzle 33 by a known method such as applying a pressure to the ink by a piezo element.

In the present embodiment, the head unit 31 is mounted on the carriage 34 and is configured to reciprocate linearly in the X direction under the control of the control unit 20. FIG. 2 shows a double-headed arrow PS indicating a moving direction and a moving range of the head portion 31. In the present embodiment, the main scanning direction of the liquid injection device 10 coincides with the X direction. The injection execution unit 30 includes, as a drive mechanism for moving the head unit 31, a guide shaft for moving the carriage 34, a motor that generates a driving force, and a pulley that transmits the driving force. In addition, illustration and detailed description about them are omitted.

The plurality of tubes 32 connected to the head portion 31 have flexibility. The plurality of tubes 32 are arranged in parallel in the Y direction. The plurality of tubes 32 are arranged substantially linearly in the + X direction along the scanning path of the head portion 31 from the joint portion 43, which is a connection portion of the liquid supply portion 40 to the supply pipe 42, which will be described later, and are directed upward. It is curved and folded back in the −X direction to be connected to the head portion 31. The curved portion 32r of the plurality of tubes 32 is displaced as the head portion 31 moves. As a result, the main scanning of the head portion 31 is suppressed from being obstructed by the plurality of tubes 32, and the moving operation of the head portion 31 is facilitated.

[Media carrier]
The medium transport unit 35 transports the medium MP to be processed under the control of the control unit 20 (FIG. 2). The medium transport unit 35 includes a transport roller 36 installed in the X direction below the head portion 31. The medium storage unit 17 described above is arranged below the transport roller 36. The medium transport unit 35 is provided with a feeding mechanism (not shown) for feeding the medium MPs one by one from the medium storage section 17 onto the outer peripheral side surface of the transport roller 36. The medium transfer unit 35 rotates the transfer roller 36 by a drive motor (not shown), and the rotational drive force causes the medium MP to move in the −Y direction below the head unit 31. In the present embodiment, the sub-scanning direction of the liquid injection device 10 coincides with the −Y direction. The medium MP that has passed through the lower region of the head portion 31 is discharged to the outside of the liquid injection device 10 through the medium discharge port 14.

At the time of executing the printing process in the liquid injection device 10, the control unit 20 conveys the medium MP in the above-mentioned sub-scanning direction by the medium transfer unit 35. Then, above the transport roller 36, the head portion 31 is reciprocated along the transport roller 36 in the main scanning direction, and at a timing determined based on the print data, the head portion 31 is directed toward the print surface of the medium MP. Ink droplets are ejected from. As a result, ink dots are recorded on the medium MP at positions determined based on the print data, and an image based on the print data is formed.

[Liquid supply unit]
FIG. 4 will be referred to with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and the liquid supply unit 40 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the liquid supply unit 40 extracted. In addition to the plurality of supply pipes 42 and joints 43 described above, the liquid supply unit 40 includes a plurality of connection receiving units 50, a variable pressure generating unit 45, and a pressure transmission pipe 46 (FIGS. 3 and 4). ). First, the configuration of the plurality of connection receiving portions 50 will be described, and then the supply pipe 42 and the joint portion 43 will be described. Then, the variable pressure generation unit 45 and the pressure transmission pipe 46 constituting the liquid suction / delivery mechanism will be described.

[Connection receiving unit]
The liquid supply unit 40 is connected to each of the plurality of liquid containers 100 stored in the case storage unit 60 via the plurality of connection receiving units 50. In the liquid injection device 10 of the present embodiment, as described later, four liquid containers 100 for each color ink are mounted. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the liquid supply unit 40 includes four connection receiving units 50 so as to correspond to each of the four liquid accommodating bodies 100.

Further, in the liquid injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the four liquid accommodating bodies 100 have three first liquid accommodating bodies 100a having the same capacity for accommodating liquids and a first liquid having a capacity capable of accommodating liquid. A second liquid container 100b, which is larger than the container 100a, is included. Therefore, the plurality of connection receiving units 50 include three first connection receiving units 50a corresponding to the first liquid accommodating body 100a and one second connection receiving unit 50b corresponding to the second liquid accommodating body 100b. include. The first connection receiving unit 50a and the second connection receiving unit 50b are collectively referred to as a connection receiving unit 50 unless otherwise specified. Similarly, the first liquid container 100a and the second liquid container 100b are also collectively referred to as the liquid container 100 unless otherwise specified. In the present embodiment, there is almost no structural difference between the first connection receiving unit 50a and the second connection receiving unit 50b in terms of the configuration for connecting to the liquid container 100.

The plurality of connection receiving portions 50 are installed at the ends of the case accommodating portion 60 on the + Y direction side (FIG. 3). The connection receiving portions 50 are arranged in a row in the X direction at the bottom of the deepest position on the back surface side of the liquid injection device 10. Each connection receiving portion 50 is installed so as to be able to receive a connection from the −Y direction side of the corresponding liquid container 100. Three first connection receiving portions 50a are installed in parallel at substantially equal intervals from the right side. The second connection receiving portion 50b is installed on the leftmost side.

A schematic configuration of each connection receiving unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the first connection receiving portion 50a out of the plurality of connecting receiving portions 50. The following description is common to the first connection receiving unit 50a and the second connection receiving unit 50b unless otherwise specified. In the connection receiving unit 50, the liquid introduction unit 51, the device-side electrical connection unit 52, the first positioning unit 53a, the second positioning unit 53b, the device-side fixing structure 54, and the fitting structure 55 are integrated. It is configured as a single part.

The liquid from the liquid container 100 flows into the liquid introduction unit 51. In the present embodiment, the liquid introduction portion 51 is located at the end of the case storage portion 60 on the + Y direction side. The liquid introduction portion 51 is composed of a pipe portion having a shape extending linearly in the −Y direction, and is open at the tip portion 51t on the −Y direction side. The liquid introduction portion 51 is connected to the liquid container 100 by inserting the tip portion 51t into the liquid container 100. In the present embodiment, the liquid introduction portion 51 projects in the −Y direction at substantially the center of the connection receiving portion 50 in the X direction.

The rear end portion of the liquid introduction portion 51 on the + Y direction side communicates with a pump chamber (not shown) provided inside the connection receiving portion 50. The liquid that has flowed into the liquid introduction unit 51 flows into the pump chamber. A check valve structure is provided inside the connection receiving portion 50 to prevent the liquid flowing into the pump chamber from flowing back to the liquid introducing portion 51 (not shown).

In the connection receiving unit 50 of the present embodiment, the liquid receiving unit 56 is provided under the liquid introducing unit 51. The liquid receiving portion 56 extends in the −Y direction along the liquid introducing portion 51. The liquid receiving portion 56 is slightly curved downward along the shape of the lower side surface of the liquid introducing portion 51, and serves as a saucer for receiving the liquid leaked from the connection portion between the liquid introducing portion 51 and the liquid container 100. Function. The liquid receiving portion 56 may be omitted.

A base end member 57 is provided at the rear end portion of the liquid introduction portion 51 and the liquid receiving portion 56 on the + Y direction side. The base end member 57 is a resin member having a through hole 51p through which the liquid introduction portion 51 is inserted. The base end member 57 is attached so as to be movable in the Y direction. A string-wound spring, which is an urging member, is arranged on the back surface side of the base end member 57 so as to surround the periphery of the liquid introduction portion 51, and applies an elastic force in the −Y direction to the base end member 57. As a result, the base end member 57 elastically moves in the Y direction as indicated by the arrow SD. When the liquid container 100 is mounted on the liquid injection device 10, the liquid container 100 and the case 61 are subjected to a force in the −Y direction by the base end member 57.

The device-side electrical connection 52 is a connector that is electrically connected to the liquid container 100. The device-side electrical connection portion 52 is located at the end of the case storage portion 60 on the + Y direction side (FIG. 3). The device-side electrical connection portion 52 has a plurality of terminal portions 52t arranged in the X direction. Each terminal portion 52t protrudes from the surface of the device-side electrical connection portion 52, and is in contact with the container-side electrical connection portion (described later) of the liquid container 100 and is electrically connected. It is desirable that each terminal portion 52t is urged in the protruding direction by an elastic member such as a leaf spring. In the present embodiment, the device-side electrical connection portion 52 is arranged at an inclination angle corresponding to the arrangement angle of the storage body-side electrical connection portion of the liquid container 100. The device-side electrical connection portion 52 is arranged so as to face diagonally upward so that the normal vector on the surface thereof has a vector component in the −Y direction and a vector component in the −Z direction.

The device-side electrical connection unit 52 is connected to the control unit 20 (FIG. 2) via wiring (not shown). The wiring is composed of, for example, a flexible flat cable. The control unit 20 exchanges an electric signal with the liquid container 100 by electrically connecting the device-side electrical connection unit 52 and the container-side electrical connection unit. As a result, the control unit 20 acquires information about the liquid contained in the liquid container 100. The information about the liquid is, for example, the color of the ink, the type of the ink, a parameter representing the capacity of the liquid in the liquid container 100, and the like. Further, the control unit 20 electrically detects the connection state of the liquid container 100.

The first positioning portion 53a and the second positioning portion 53b project at positions separated from each other. In the present embodiment, the first positioning portion 53a and the second positioning portion 53b are configured as axial portions extending in the −Y direction, and are arranged in parallel with the liquid introduction portion 51. The first positioning unit 53a is located on the −X direction side of the liquid introduction unit 51, and the second positioning unit 53b is located on the + X direction side of the liquid introduction unit 51. The first positioning portion 53a is located on the −X direction side with respect to the device-side electrical connection portion 52. In the present embodiment, the positions of the tip portions of the first positioning portion 53a and the second positioning portion 53b are substantially aligned with each other in the Y direction. Further, the first positioning unit 53a and the second positioning unit 53b are provided at substantially the same height position, and are provided at positions lower than the liquid introduction unit 51 and the device-side electrical connection unit 52.

When the liquid container 100 is mounted, both the first positioning unit 53a and the second positioning unit 53b are inserted into the corresponding receiving unit (described later) provided in the liquid container 100. The first positioning unit 53a and the second positioning unit 53b have a function of defining the arrangement position of the liquid container 100 in the X direction and the arrangement angle in the horizontal direction when the liquid container 100 is mounted.

It is desirable that the first positioning portion 53a and the second positioning portion 53b project toward the −Y direction side with respect to the tip portion 51t of the liquid introduction portion 51. As a result, the liquid introduction unit 51 can be connected to the liquid container 100 after the mounting posture of the liquid container 100 is defined by the pair of positioning units 53a and 53b. As shown in the figure, it is desirable that the outer peripheral side surfaces of the positioning portions 53a and 53b are provided with groove portions 53g extending in parallel in the Y direction. This facilitates insertion of the liquid container 100 into the receiving portion.

The device-side fixing structure 54 regulates the movement of the case 61 in the Y direction in cooperation with the case-side fixing structure (described later) provided in the case 61 in which the liquid container 100 is arranged.

In the present embodiment, the device-side fixing structure 54 extends toward the −Y direction so that it can enter the lower side of the liquid container 100 to be mounted. The device-side fixing structure 54 is configured as an arm-shaped member portion. The device-side fixing structure 54 is located on the −X direction side of the liquid introduction section 51, and is located below the device-side electrical connection section 52. The tip portion 54t on the −Y direction side of the device-side fixing structure 54 projects toward the −Y direction side from the tip portion 51t of the liquid introduction portion 51. Further, the tip portion 54t protrudes from the tip portions of the positioning portions 53a and 53b toward the −Y direction. The tip portion 54t is provided with a protrusion portion 54p. The protruding portion 54p protrudes in the −Z direction at the center of the tip portion 54t. The protrusion 54p engages with the engaged portion provided in the case-side fixing structure in the case storage state in which the case 61 is attached to the case storage portion 60. In the following description, the protrusion 54p may also be referred to as an "engagement portion 54p". The protrusion 54p is locked to the engaged portion provided in the case-side fixing structure, so that the movement of the case 61 in the −Y direction is restricted.

As indicated by the double-headed arrow EX, the device-side fixing structure 54 is attached in a state where lateral rotation is permitted with the rear end portion on the + Y direction side as a fulcrum. The device-side fixed structure 54 is urged in the + X direction by an elastic member (not shown) arranged inside the connection receiving portion 50, and is elastic in the −X direction when an external force is applied in the −X direction. Rotates in a positive manner. Further, as indicated by the double-headed arrow EZ, the device-side fixing structure 54 is attached in a state where rotation in the height direction is permitted with the rear end portion on the + Y direction side as a fulcrum. The device-side fixed structure 54 is urged in the −Z direction by an elastic member (not shown) arranged inside the connection receiving portion 50, and elastically in the + Z direction when an external force is applied in the + Z direction. Rotate. The mechanism of engagement between the device-side fixing structure 54 and the case-side fixing structure of the case 61 will be described later.

The fitting structure 55 is provided on the + X direction side with respect to the liquid introduction portion 51. The fitting structure 55 is located above the second positioning portion 53b, and has a plurality of substantially rectangular protrusions 55c protruding in the + Z direction at the same height and extending in parallel in the −Y direction. It has an uneven structure. The arrangement pattern of the protrusions 55c in the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure 55 is different for each connection receiving portion 50. The corresponding liquid container 100 of each connection receiving portion 50 is provided with a fitting structure receiving portion (described later) having a concavo-convex structure that can be fitted, corresponding to the arrangement pattern of the concavo-convex structure. As a result, it is possible to prevent the wrong liquid container 100 that does not correspond from being connected to the connection receiving unit 50.

[Supply piping and fittings]
The plurality of supply pipes 42 are composed of flexible resin tube members (FIG. 4). Each supply pipe 42 is connected to the above-mentioned pump chamber (not shown) provided inside each connection receiving unit 50, one by one. Each supply pipe 42 passes above the area where the liquid container 100 is housed from the connection receiving portion 50, is collected at the end on the −X direction side, and then is routed in parallel in the −Y direction (). 3 and 4). Then, it is routed in the −Z direction at the front end of the liquid injection device 10 and connected to the joint portion 43 installed at a position higher than the medium transport portion 35 (FIGS. 2 and 4). ). As described above, each supply pipe 42 is connected to the corresponding one of the plurality of tubes 32 of the injection execution unit 30 via the joint portion 43.

[Liquid suction / delivery mechanism in the liquid supply unit]
The fluctuating pressure generating unit 45 is a source for generating pressure fluctuations for sucking and delivering a liquid, and is composed of, for example, a pump (FIGS. 2 and 3). The fluctuating pressure generating portion 45 is installed above the case accommodating portion 60 at a position closer to the front surface portion 12 of the liquid injection device 10. The fluctuating pressure generating portion 45 is located above the mounting position of the first liquid accommodating body 100a. The pressure transmission pipe 46 is connected to the fluctuating pressure generating section 45, and transmits the pressure fluctuation generated by the fluctuating pressure generating section 45. The pressure transmission pipe 46 is connected to a pressure chamber (not shown) provided inside each connection receiving portion 50.

The pressure chamber of each connection receiving portion 50 is adjacent to the above-mentioned pump chamber into which the liquid flows from the liquid container 100 with the flexible membrane interposed therebetween. Therefore, when the fluctuating pressure generating portion 45 reduces the pressure in the pressure chamber, the flexible film bends toward the pressure chamber side, the volume of the pump chamber increases, and the liquid in the liquid container 100 passes through the liquid introduction portion 51. Is sucked into the pump chamber. On the other hand, when the fluctuating pressure generating portion 45 raises the pressure in the pressure chamber, the flexible membrane bends toward the pump chamber, the volume of the pump chamber decreases, and the liquid flowing into the pump chamber flows into the supply pipe 42. Is pushed out. In this way, in the liquid supply unit 40, the variable pressure generation unit 45 repeatedly raises and lowers the pressure in the pressure chamber, whereby the liquid is supplied to the injection execution unit 30.

[Case storage]
In the liquid injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the case storage portion 60 is provided at the lowermost stage (FIGS. 2 and 3). A plurality of cases 61 are stored in the case storage unit 60. When in the case storage state described above, the plurality of cases 61 are arranged in a row in the X direction in the case storage unit 60. A plurality of liquid containers 100 are arranged in each of the plurality of cases 61. One liquid container 100 is arranged in one case 61. That is, in the case storage unit 60, the plurality of liquid storage bodies 100 are arranged and stored in a row in the X direction while being arranged in the case 61, respectively. In FIG. 2, since the liquid container 100 is hidden behind the case 61 and cannot be seen, the arrangement position thereof is indicated by a broken line. Further, in FIG. 3, the arrangement region LA, which is the arrangement position when the case 61 and the liquid container 100 are mounted in the case storage portion 60, is shown by a long-dotted chain line.

In the case storage unit 60, the second liquid container 100b is stored at the end on the + X direction side, and the three first liquid storage bodies 100a are stored on the −X direction side thereof (FIG. 2). One corresponding connection receiving portion 50 is installed on the + Y direction side of the arrangement region LA of each liquid container 100 (FIG. 3). As described above, in the present embodiment, different color inks are contained in the liquid container 100. The combination of color inks contained in each liquid container 100 is not particularly limited. For example, the three first liquid containers 100a may contain cyanide, magenta, and yellow, respectively, and the second liquid container 100b may contain black, which is expected to be the most consumed. .. In addition, a part or all of the liquid container 100 may contain the same color ink.

The plurality of cases 61 are used for mounting the liquid container 100. In this embodiment, the case 61 is configured as a tray-shaped container. The case 61 can be attached to and detached from the liquid injection device 10 by moving the case 61 in the Y direction in the case accommodating portion 60. The details of attaching and detaching the case 61 and the liquid container 100 to and from the liquid injection device 10 will be described later.

The liquid container 100 is detachably arranged on the −Z direction side of the case 61 pulled out from the case storage unit 60. The liquid container 100 is mounted on the liquid injection device 10 in a state of being arranged in the case 61. That is, the liquid container 100 is mounted on the case storage portion 60 of the liquid injection device 10 in a state of being arranged in the case 61. Further, the liquid container 100 is taken out from the case storage unit 60 in a state of being arranged in the case 61. The case 61 includes a first case 61a in which the first liquid container 100a is arranged, and a second case 61b in which the second liquid container 100b is arranged. The first case 61a and the second case 61b are collectively referred to as case 61 unless otherwise specified. The details of the configuration of the case 61 will be described later.

The case storage portion 60 includes an opening member 62 (FIG. 2). The opening member 62 is a plate-shaped member having a substantially rectangular shape, and is provided with four through holes 63 penetrating in the thickness direction. The opening member 62 is fixedly installed at the end portion of the case storage portion 60 on the −Y direction side in a state where the thickness direction thereof coincides with the Y direction and the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the X direction. Each through hole 63 is an insertion port through which the case 61 is inserted. Each through hole 63 has an opening shape corresponding to the outer peripheral contour shape when the corresponding case 61 is viewed in the Y direction. The opening member 62 guides the insertion / withdrawal of the case 61 into the liquid injection device 10. Further, it is possible to prevent the user from inserting the first case 61a and the second case 61b into the wrong place. The opening member 62 may be omitted.

A plurality of rail grooves 64 are formed on the floor surface of the case storage portion 60 (FIG. 2). Each rail groove 64 is formed linearly over the entire area of the case accommodating portion 60 in the Y direction for each arrangement region LA of each liquid accommodating body 100. A rail rib (described later) provided on the lower surface of the case 61 is fitted in each rail groove 64. The rail groove 64 guides the movement of the case 61 in the Y direction inside the liquid injection device 10, and suppresses contact between adjacent cases 61 in the X direction. Further, the connection of the liquid container 100 to the connection receiving portion 50 is simplified. The configuration of the rail groove 64 and the corresponding rail rib may be different for each case 61 in order to prevent erroneous mounting. Further, a part or all of the rail groove 64 may be omitted.

A plurality of rollers 65 are installed on the floor surface of the case storage portion 60 (FIG. 2). The rollers 65 are appropriately dispersed and arranged in the Y direction for each placement region LA of each liquid container 100. In the case storage unit 60, the rotation of each roller 65 reduces the movement resistance when the case 61 is moved in the Y direction, and the movement operation of the case 61 by the user is facilitated. The roller 65 may be omitted.

[Construction of liquid container and case]
The configurations of the first liquid container 100a and the first case 61a will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12 as appropriate. After that, the configurations of the second liquid container 100b and the second case 61b will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18.

[First liquid container and first case]
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a first liquid container 100a in a state of being arranged in the first case 61a. FIG. 7 is a first schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the first liquid container 100a is taken out from the first case 61a, and is a view when viewed from the + Y direction side. FIG. 8 is a second schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the first liquid container 100a is taken out from the first case 61a, and is a view when viewed from the −Y direction side. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the arrows X, Y, and Z corresponding to the first liquid container 100a and the first case 61a are shown separately. Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of the first liquid container 100a will be described first, and the schematic configuration of the first case 61a will be described.

[First liquid container]
The first liquid accommodating body 100a is an ink pack and includes an accommodating portion 110a and a connecting member 120a (FIGS. 7 and 8). The first liquid container 100a has a substantially rectangular outer contour shape with the Y direction as the longitudinal direction when viewed in the Z direction. The connecting member 120a constitutes an end portion of the first liquid accommodating body 100a on the + Y direction side, and the accommodating portion 110a is located on the −Y direction side of the connecting member 120a.

The width of the first liquid container 100a in the Z direction is smaller than the width in the X direction and the width in the Y direction. This "width" means the distance in the direction between the outermost parts of the first liquid container 100a in each direction. That is, the first liquid container 100a has a thin flat plate shape. Therefore, according to the first liquid container 100a, high stability can be obtained with respect to the arrangement posture on the first case 61a (FIG. 6).

[Accommodation]
The accommodating portion 110a is a member that accommodates the liquid (FIGS. 7 and 8). In the present embodiment, the accommodating portion 110a is configured as a flexible bag-shaped member. The accommodating portion 110a has a substantially rectangular shape with the Y direction as the longitudinal direction when viewed in the Z direction. The accommodating portion 110a is configured by superimposing two sheet members 111 and 112 and welding their outer peripheral end portions 113.

The first sheet member 111 is arranged on the −Z direction side and constitutes the upper surface of the accommodating portion 110a. The second seat member 112 is arranged on the + Z direction side and constitutes the lower surface of the accommodating portion 110a. The sheet members 111 and 112 have a rectangular shape having the same size as each other. The sheet members 111 and 112 do not have to have a completely flat shape. The sheet members 111 and 112 may have a bent shape such that a bulge is gradually formed toward the center in the accommodating portion 110a. Further, a skeleton member for maintaining the shape of the accommodating portion 110a may be accommodated inside the accommodating portion 110a.

The sheet members 111 and 112 are made of a material having flexibility, gas barrier property, and liquid impermeable property. Each sheet member 111, 112 may be composed of, for example, a film member such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. Each of the sheet members 111 and 112 may be formed by laminating a plurality of films made of the above materials. In this case, for example, the outer layer may be formed of a PET or nylon film having excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer may be formed of a polyethylene film having excellent ink resistance. Further, a layer on which aluminum or the like is vapor-deposited may be added to the laminated structure.

[Connecting member]
The configuration of the connecting member 120a will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B as reference views. 9A is a schematic perspective view showing the vicinity of the connecting member 120a extracted from FIG. 7. FIG. 9B is a schematic perspective view showing the vicinity of the electrical connection portion 140 on the housing side by extracting the vicinity thereof.

The connecting member 120a is attached to the end portion of the accommodating portion 110a on the + Y direction side (FIGS. 7 to 9A). The connecting member 120a generally has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with the X direction as the longitudinal direction. The width of the connecting member 120a in the X direction is slightly smaller than the width of the accommodating portion 110a in the X direction. The difference may be, for example, about several mm to several ten and several mm. The main body of the connecting member 120a is manufactured by molding, for example, a resin member such as polypropylene.

The connecting member 120a has a first surface portion 121, a second surface portion 122, a third surface portion 123, a fourth surface portion 124, a fifth surface portion 125, and a sixth surface portion 126. In the present specification, the "face portion" may not be formed in a plane shape, may be formed in a curved surface shape, and has a concave portion, a convex portion, a step, a groove, a bent portion, an inclined surface, and the like. You may be. Further, "intersecting" the two face portions means that the two face portions actually intersect each other, the extension surface of one face portion intersects the other face portion, and the extension faces of the two face portions intersect with each other. It means that it is in either the intersecting state or the state. Therefore, a chamfered portion or the like constituting a curved surface may be interposed between the adjacent surface portions.

The first surface portion 121 faces in the + Y direction and constitutes the front surface portion of the connecting member 120a (FIGS. 7 and 9A). The second surface portion 122 is located at a position facing the first surface portion 121 and faces the −Y direction. The second surface portion 122 constitutes the rear surface portion of the connecting member 120a (FIG. 8).

The third surface portion 123 intersects the first surface portion 121 and the second surface portion 122 and faces in the −Z direction (FIGS. 7 and 9A). The third surface portion 123 constitutes an upper surface portion of the connecting member 120a. The fourth surface portion 124 is located at a position facing the third surface portion 123 and intersects the first surface portion 121 and the second surface portion 122 (FIG. 8). The fourth surface portion 124 is a surface portion on the + Z direction side, faces the + Z direction, and constitutes a bottom surface portion of the connecting member 120a.

The fifth surface portion 125 intersects the first surface portion 121, the second surface portion 122, the third surface portion 123, and the fourth surface portion 124 (FIGS. 7 and 9A). The fifth surface portion 125 faces in the + X direction and constitutes the left surface portion of the connecting member 120a. The sixth surface portion 126 is located at a position facing the fifth surface portion 125, and intersects the first surface portion 121, the second surface portion 122, the third surface portion 123, and the fourth surface portion 124 (FIG. 8). The sixth surface portion 126 faces in the −X direction and constitutes the right surface portion of the connecting member 120a.

A linear slit 128 is formed in the fourth surface portion 124 of the connecting member 120a over the entire area in the X direction (FIG. 8). The slit 128 is formed around the center of the connecting member 120a in the Z direction. The accommodating portion 110a is fixed to the connecting member 120a in a state where the outer peripheral end portion 113 on the + Y direction side is inserted into the slit 128 and sandwiched in the thickness direction.

The connecting member 120a is fitted with a liquid outlet 131, an electrical connection portion 140 on the housing side, a first receiving portion 150a, and a second receiving portion 150b as components for connecting to the first connection receiving portion 50a. A combined structure receiving portion 155 is provided (FIGS. 7 and 9A). In the connecting member 120a, those components are grouped on the first surface portion 121 side. Hereinafter, after explaining these components in order, other configurations provided on the connecting member 120a will be described.

[Liquid outlet]
The liquid outlet 131 is an opening that opens in the + Y direction (FIG. 9A). In the liquid outlet 131, the liquid introduction portion 51 (FIG. 5) of the first connection receiving portion 50a is inserted in the + Y direction. The liquid outlet 131 is provided at a position substantially at the center in the X direction on the first surface portion 121. The liquid outlet 131 is formed at a height position substantially similar to that where the accommodating portion 110a is fixed.

The liquid outlet 131 is connected to a flow path provided inside the connecting member 120a (not shown) or to the fourth surface portion 124 side of the connecting member 120a, and is housed inside the accommodating portion 110a (a flow path member). (Not shown) communicates with the liquid storage area inside the storage unit 110a. A detailed description of the configuration of such a liquid flow path will be omitted. In addition, in order to prevent liquid leakage inside the connecting member 120a, the liquid introduction portion 51 is maintained in a closed state before being inserted into the liquid outlet 131, and when the liquid introduction portion 51 is inserted. A valve structure and a seal structure that open to the air are provided (not shown).

In the present embodiment, the entire peripheral edge portion 132 of the liquid outlet 131 is recessed in the −Y direction on the first surface portion 121, and the liquid outlet 131 is opened at a position recessed on the −Y direction side. As a result, the liquid outlet 131 is surrounded by a wall formed by the peripheral edge 132, and the protection of the liquid outlet 131 is enhanced. For example, the user can use the liquid outlet. It is possible to prevent accidental touching of 131. Further, when the first liquid container 100a is accidentally dropped, deterioration such as damage or deformation due to the collision of the liquid outlet 131 is suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the peripheral edge portion 132 of the liquid outlet 131 is surrounded by the peripheral edge rib 133 projecting in the + Y direction. When the liquid introduction portion 51 of the first connection receiving portion 50a is connected to the liquid outlet 131, the peripheral rib 133 comes into contact with the proximal end member 57 provided around the liquid introduction portion 51 and is pushed. Receives elastic force in the −Y direction. In the mounted state in which the first liquid container 100a is mounted on the liquid injection device 10, the first case 61a in which the first liquid container 100a is arranged is engaged with the first connection receiving portion 50a. (See below). Therefore, even if the peripheral rib 133 is urged in the −Y direction by the proximal end member 57, it is suppressed that the first liquid accommodating body 100a and the first case 61a move from the arrangement region LA in the −Y direction. ..

[Electrical connection on the housing side]
The housing-side electrical connection unit 140 includes a substrate unit 141 for connecting to the device-side electrical connection unit 52 (FIGS. 9A and 9B). The accommodating body-side electrical connection unit 140 electrically contacts the device-side electrical connection unit 52 (FIG. 5) of the first connection receiving unit 50a. A plurality of terminal portions 142 are arranged on the surface 141s of the substrate portion 141. The plurality of terminal portions 142 are arranged at positions corresponding to the terminal portions 52t of the device-side electrical connection portion 52. On the surface of the substrate portion 141 opposite to the surface 141s, a storage device for storing information about the liquid, a circuit for detecting the connection of the device-side electrical connection portion 52, and the like may be provided (illustrated and). Detailed explanation is omitted).

In the present embodiment, each terminal portion 142 has a substantially flat contact surface with which the terminal portion 52t of the device-side electrical connection portion 52 contacts. In FIG. 9B, the position of the contact portion CP in contact with the terminal portion 52t of the device-side electrical connection portion 52 is illustrated by a broken line in each terminal portion 142. The contact portion CPs of the terminal portions 142 are arranged in the arrangement direction parallel to the X direction in each of the upper and lower stages on the surface 141s of the substrate portion 141. The arrangement pattern of the terminal portion 142 and the contact portion CP is not limited to that exemplified in FIG. 9B.

In the present embodiment, the housing-side electrical connection portion 140 is provided at a position closer to the end portion of the connection member 120a on the −X direction side. In the connecting member 120a, the substrate arranging portion 144 for arranging the substrate portion 141 of the electrical connection portion 140 on the housing side is formed as a recess recessed in the −Y direction and the + Z direction. The substrate arrangement portion 144 is formed with an inclined surface 144s facing diagonally upward between the + Y direction and the −Z direction, and the housing-side electrical connection portion 140 is inclined on the inclined surface 144s. It is tilted at an arrangement angle substantially parallel to the surface 144s. That is, the normal vector of the contact surface between the surface 141s of the substrate portion 141 and the terminal portion 52t has a vector component in the + Y direction and a vector component in the −Z direction.

In this way, the substrate portion 141 is arranged so that the surface 141s faces the −Z direction side. Therefore, when the device-side electrical connection section 52 is electrically connected, the device-side electrical connection section 140 receives a force in the + Z direction at least downward from the device-side electrical connection section 52, and the device-side electrical connection section 52. Will be in electrical contact with. Due to this downward force, the contact state between the electrical connection portion 140 on the housing side and the electrical connection portion 52 on the device side is improved, and the electrical connectivity of the electrical connection portion 140 on the housing body side is enhanced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the substrate portion 141 is inclined and arranged as described above, and the surface 141s thereof also faces the + Y direction side. Therefore, when the first liquid accommodating body 100a is moved in the + Y direction together with the first case 61a and the accommodating body side electric connection portion 140 is connected to the device side electric connection portion 52, the first case 61a is moved in the + Y direction. It is possible to form an electric connection state between the electric connection portion 140 on the accommodating body side and the electric connection portion 52 on the device side by utilizing the force at the time of causing the electric connection. Therefore, the electrical connectivity between the electrical connection unit 140 on the housing side and the electrical connection unit 52 on the device side is enhanced.

Further, when connecting to the device-side electrical connection section 52, the terminal section 52t of the device-side electrical connection section 52 moves while rubbing the contact surface of the terminal section 142 of the housing-side electrical connection section 140. As a result, foreign matter and the like adhering to the contact surface of the terminal portion 142 of the housing side electrical connection portion 140 are removed by the terminal portion 52t of the device side electrical connection portion 52, so that the electrical connectivity of the housing side electrical connection portion 140 However, it is further enhanced.

In addition, when the first liquid container 100a is taken out from the case storage 60 together with the first case 61a, the force in the Y direction received from the device-side electrical connection 52 causes the first liquid container 100a to be-. Movement in the Y direction is assisted. Therefore, the removal of the first liquid container 100a is simplified.

The board portion 141 is installed at a recessed position of the board arrangement portion 144. The substrate portion 141 is sandwiched by two wall portions 145 protruding in the −Z direction and the + Y direction from the surface 141s of the substrate portion 141 on both sides in the X direction. These wall portions 145 function as protective portions for the substrate portion 141. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the substrate portion 141, or to prevent the substrate portion 141 from being damaged when the first liquid container 100a is accidentally dropped.

[1st receiving section and 2nd receiving section]
When the first liquid container 100a is mounted on the liquid injection device 10, the first receiving unit 150a receives the first positioning unit 53a (FIG. 5) of the first connection receiving unit 50a, and the second receiving unit 150b receives the first positioning unit 53a (FIG. 5). The second positioning unit 53b (FIG. 5) is received. Thereby, the mounting position of the first liquid container 100a is appropriately defined.

In the present embodiment, the first receiving portion 150a and the second receiving portion 150b are formed as holes extending in the −Y direction, and have a first opening portion 151a and a second opening portion 151b, respectively. The openings 151a and 151b of the first receiving portion 150a and the second receiving portion 150b receive the insertion of the corresponding positioning portions 53a and 53b from the + Y direction side. In the present embodiment, the opening shape is different between the first opening 151a of the first receiving portion 150a and the second opening 151b of the second receiving portion 150b, but the details thereof will be described later.

The first receiving portion 150a is located on the −X direction side with respect to the liquid outlet 131. In the first liquid container 100a, the first receiving portion 150a is provided at the lower corner portion of the first surface portion 121 on the −X direction side. On the other hand, the second receiving portion 150b is located on the + X direction side with respect to the liquid outlet 131. In the first liquid container 100a, the second receiving portion 150b is provided at the lower corner portion of the first surface portion 121 on the + X direction side.

In the present embodiment, the liquid outlet 131 is sandwiched in the X direction by a pair of receiving portions 150a and 150b. As a result, when the first liquid container 100a is attached to the liquid injection device 10, the positioning accuracy of the liquid outlet 131 with respect to the liquid introduction portion 51 (FIG. 5) in the X direction is improved. Therefore, the connectivity between the liquid introduction unit 51 and the liquid outlet 131 is improved. Further, in the present embodiment, since the distance between the pair of receiving portions 150a and 150b in the X direction is large, the positioning accuracy is further improved.

[Mating structure receiving part]
The fitting structure receiving portion 155 is provided on the + X direction side with respect to the liquid outlet 131. The fitting structure receiving portion 155 is provided at a position closer to the end portion on the + X direction side at the end portion on the + Y direction side of the third surface portion 123. The fitting structure receiving portion 155 has a concavo-convex structure in which a plurality of substantially rectangular protrusions 156 extending in parallel in the −Y direction are arranged while projecting at the same height in the −Z direction. The arrangement pattern in the X direction of the protrusion 156 of the fitting structure receiving portion 155 and the valley portion 157 formed between the protrusions 156 is opposite to the arrangement pattern of the uneven structure of the fitting structure 55 to be connected. It has become.

When the first liquid container 100a is moved in the + Y direction and connected to the corresponding first connection receiving portion 50a, the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure 55 and the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure receiving portion 155 are allowed to be fitted. Will be done. On the other hand, when the combination of the first liquid accommodating body 100a and the first connection receiving portion 50a is not appropriate, the uneven structure of the fitting structure 55 does not match the uneven structure of the fitting structure receiving portion 155 and is fitted. I can't. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wrong first liquid container 100a that does not correspond from being connected to the first connection receiving portion 50a.

[Other configurations of connecting members]
[Concave]
The fourth surface portion 124 of the connecting member 120a is provided with a recess 160 recessed in the −Z direction. In the present embodiment, the recess 160 has a substantially rectangular shape, extends to the first surface portion 121 in the + Y direction, and opens in the + Y direction. When the first liquid container 100a is arranged in the first case 61a, the concave portion 160 accommodates a convex portion (described later) formed in the first liquid container 100a. The recess 160 is formed at a position where it overlaps with at least a part of the electrical connection portion 140 on the housing side when viewed in the Z direction. The reason for this will be described later.

[Mating recess]
A pair of fitting recesses 161 are formed on the fourth surface portion 124 of the connecting member 120a. In the present embodiment, each fitting recess 161 is formed as a recess that is cut in the −Z direction. Each fitting recess 161 is opened in the + Y direction on the first surface portion 121, similarly to the recess 160 described above. The two fitting recesses 161 are arranged so as to sandwich the liquid outlet 131 in the X direction. Each of the two fitting recesses 161 is formed at a position adjacent to the peripheral edge portion 132 of the liquid outlet 131 in the X direction. When the first liquid container 100a is arranged in the first case 61a, a corresponding fitting protrusion (described later) is inserted into each fitting recess 161 to fit. As a result, the liquid outlet 131 is positioned in the X direction with respect to the first case 61a.

[First case]
6 to 8 are referenced. The first case 61a has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with the X direction as the longitudinal direction. Further, the first case 61a is formed as a hollow box body that is open in the −Z direction and the + Y direction. The first case 61a is made of a resin member such as polypropylene.

The first case 61a includes a bottom wall portion 200, two side wall portions 201 and 202, a lid member 203, and a front wall portion 205 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The bottom wall portion 200 is a substantially rectangular wall portion constituting the bottom surface portion of the first case 61a, and extends in the X direction and the Y direction. As used herein, the term "extended" means a configuration that extends seamlessly in a certain direction. The first liquid container 100a is arranged on the bottom wall portion 200 (FIG. 6). The bottom wall portion 200 has a size such that at least the entire accommodating portion 110a is accommodated when the first liquid accommodating body 100a is arranged.

The first side wall portion 201 is a substantially rectangular wall portion that intersects and is connected to the long side of the bottom wall portion 200 on the −X direction side, and constitutes the right side wall portion of the first case 61a. (Fig. 8). The second side wall portion 202 is a substantially rectangular wall portion that intersects and is connected to the long side of the bottom wall portion 200 on the + X direction side, and constitutes the left side wall portion of the first case 61a (the second side wall portion 202). FIG. 7). The first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 extend in parallel with each other over almost the entire area in the Y direction. The heights of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 substantially coincide with the height of the connecting member 120a of the first liquid container 100a (FIG. 6). The first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 sandwich the accommodating portion 110a of the first liquid accommodating body 100a in the X direction, and define the arrangement angle of the accommodating portion 110a in the direction along the horizontal plane.

At the end of the first side wall portion 201 on the + Y direction side, an engaging convex portion 201t protruding in the + X direction is provided (FIG. 7). Similarly, an engaging convex portion 202t protruding in the −X direction is provided at the end portion of the second side wall portion 202 on the + Y direction side. When the first liquid container 100a is arranged in the first case 61a, the engaging convex portion 201t of the first side wall portion 201 engages with the concave portion of the sixth surface portion 126 of the connecting member 120a, and the second side wall portion 202 The engaging convex portion 202t of the above engages with the concave portion of the fifth surface portion 125 of the connecting member 120a (FIG. 6).

The lid member 203 is erected on the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 at the end portion on the −Y direction side (FIG. 7). When the first liquid accommodating body 100a is arranged in the first case 61a, the lid member 203 partially covers the portion of the accommodating portion 110a on the −Y direction side end side (FIG. 6). The lid member 203 prevents the end portion of the accommodating portion 110a on the −Y direction side from rising in the −Z direction. In the present embodiment, the lid member 203 is configured to be removable from the main body of the first case 61a.

FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view showing a surface of the lid member 203 on the −Z direction side. FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view showing a surface of the lid member 203 on the + Z direction side. A plurality of claw portions 203t are provided at the outer peripheral end portion of the lid member 203 (FIGS. 10A and 10B). Each claw portion 203t protrudes in the + Z direction and engages with a recess (not shown) provided in the first side wall portion 201 or the second side wall portion 202. A recess 204 recessed in the + Z direction is formed on the surface of the lid member 203 on the −Z direction side. The user can hook his finger on the recess 204 when the first case 61a of the liquid injection device 10 is taken in and out of the case storage portion 60.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the front wall portion 205. The front wall portion 205 is a wall portion having a substantially rectangular shape intersecting each of the bottom wall portion 200, the first side wall portion 201, and the second side wall portion 202 at the end portion on the −Y direction side. The upper end of the front wall portion 205 is composed of the lid member 203. When the first case 61a in which the first liquid container 100a is arranged is viewed in the Y direction, the entire first liquid container 100a is covered by the front wall portion 205.

With reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, 11 and 12, other components provided on the bottom wall portion 200 will be described. At the end of the bottom wall portion 200 on the + Y direction side, a pair of claw-shaped fitting convex portions 207 projecting in parallel in the −Z direction are provided (FIG. 7). Each fitting convex portion 207 is provided at a central portion in the X direction so as to be separated from each other in the X direction. When the first liquid container 100a is arranged in the first case 61a, each fitting convex portion 207 is inserted into and fitted to the corresponding side of the above-mentioned fitting recesses 161 (FIG. 6).

At the end of the bottom wall portion 200 on the + Y direction side, a convex portion 210 projecting in the −Z direction is further provided (FIG. 7). The convex portion 210 is located at a position closer to the −X direction side than the central portion in the X direction, and is located closer to the −X direction side than the pair of fitting convex portions 207. In this embodiment, the convex portion 210 has a rectangular shape. The convex portion 210 is formed to be hollow. The internal space 211 of the convex portion 210 will be described later. When the first liquid container 100a is arranged in the first case 61a, the convex portion 210 is housed in the concave portion 160 of the connection member 120a described above (FIG. 6).

In the present embodiment, when the convex portion 210 is housed in the concave portion 160, the outer wall surface of the convex portion 210 and the inner wall surface of the concave portion 160 come into surface contact with each other. That is, the convex portion 210 fits into the concave portion 160. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 210 and the concave portion 160 function as positioning portions of the connecting member 120a in the first case 61a.

On the surface of the bottom wall portion 200 on the −Z direction side, a plurality of linear groove portions 213 extending in the Y direction are arranged in parallel in the X direction. The narrow groove portion 213 guides the movement when the accommodating portion 110a of the first liquid accommodating body 100a is slid on the surface of the bottom wall portion 200 in the Y direction and arranged.

The height of the corner portion between the bottom wall portion 200 and the first side wall portion 201 and the corner portion between the bottom wall portion 200 and the second side wall portion 202 are increased stepwise in the −Z direction, respectively. A stepped portion 214 is provided (FIGS. 7 and 8). When the first liquid accommodating body 100a is arranged in the first case 61a, the outer peripheral end portion 113 of the accommodating portion 110a is supported from below by the step portion 214. Therefore, the arrangement posture of the accommodating portion 110a on the first case 61a is stabilized.

In the present embodiment, the first liquid container 100a is only fixed in the arrangement position on the first case 61a in the connecting member 120a. The accommodating portion 110a is not substantially constrained to the first case 61a except that the upper portion is covered by the lid member 203. That is, the accommodating portion 110a is arranged in a state in which movement in the direction away from the first case 61a is permitted except for the end portion on the + Y direction side connected to the connecting member 120a. As described above, since the first liquid container 100a is not unnecessarily restrained with respect to the first case 61a, the attachment / detachment of the first liquid container 100a to the first case 61a is simplified.

With reference to FIG. 12, the configuration of the bottom surface side of the bottom surface wall portion 200 will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the first case 61a when viewed from the + Z direction side. A groove portion 215 is provided on the surface of the bottom wall portion 200 on the + Z direction side at the end portion on the + Y direction side. In the present embodiment, the groove portion 215 is formed by being surrounded by the rib 216. The groove portion 215 constitutes a case-side fixed structure 220. The end portion of the groove portion 215 on the + Y direction side is formed by the internal space 211 of the convex portion 210 described above. That is, the internal space 211 of the convex portion 210 constitutes a part of the case-side fixed structure 220 and is included in the case-side fixed structure 220. The internal space 211 of the convex portion 210 is open in the + Y direction, and constitutes the entrance of the groove portion 215 (case side fixed structure 220).

As described above, the case-side fixed structure 220 cooperates with the device-side fixed structure 54 to regulate the movement of the first case 61a in the Y direction. In the case-side fixed structure 220, when the first case 61a is arranged in the predetermined arrangement area LA (FIG. 3) of the case accommodating portion 60, the projection portion 54p (FIG. 5) of the device-side fixed structure 54 (FIG. 5) is provided. An engaged portion (described later) that engages with the engaging portion 54p) is provided. By locking the protrusion 54p to the engaged portion, the movement of the first case 61a in the −Y direction is restricted. In the present embodiment, the groove portion 215 constituting the case-side fixed structure 220 is configured to have a heart cam groove structure which is a loop-shaped groove structure described later. The configuration of the case-side fixed structure 220 and the mechanism of engagement between the engaged portion of the case-side fixed structure 220 and the protrusion 54p (engaged portion 54p) of the device-side fixed structure 54 will be described later.

A plurality of rail ribs 230 and a plurality of leg portions 231 are further provided on the surface of the bottom wall portion 200 on the + Z direction side. The rail rib 230 is configured as a convex wall portion protruding in the + Z direction (FIG. 11), and extends linearly with a substantially constant width in the Y direction (FIG. 12). As described above, the rail rib 230 fits into the rail groove 64 provided on the floor surface of the case storage portion 60, and guides the movement of the first case 61a in the Y direction. The plurality of legs 231 project in the + Z direction and have the same height (FIG. 11). The plurality of leg portions 231 appropriately maintain the arrangement posture of the first case 61a in the arrangement area LA (FIG. 3) of the case storage portion 60.

[Second liquid container and second case]
Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of the second liquid container 100b will be described first, and the schematic configuration of the second case 61b will be described. In the following description and reference drawings, the same or corresponding components as the various components of the first liquid container 100a and the first case 61a described above have the same reference numerals or only the last alphabet. Are different, and the numbers are the same. The components with such corresponding reference numerals have the same functions as the corresponding components in the first liquid container 100a or the first case 61a in the second liquid container 100b or the second case 61b. Play. Therefore, the various effects described in the first liquid container 100a and the first case 61a described above can also be obtained in the second liquid container 100b and the second case 61b by such corresponding configurations.

See FIGS. 13-18. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a second liquid container 100b arranged in the second case 61b. FIG. 14 is a first schematic disassembled perspective view showing a state in which the second liquid container 100b is taken out from the second case 61b, and is a view when viewed from the tip end side on the + Y direction side. FIG. 15 is a second schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the second liquid container 100b is taken out from the second case 61b, and is a view when viewed from the rear end end side on the −Y direction side. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the arrows X, Y, and Z corresponding to the second liquid container 100b and the second case 61b are shown separately. FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the second liquid container 100b arranged in the second case 61b when viewed in the −Y direction. The lower part of FIG. 16 shows the first liquid container 100a arranged in the first case 61a when viewed in the same direction for comparison. In FIG. 16, the central axis CL in the X direction in each of the first liquid container 100a and the second liquid container 100b is illustrated by a alternate long and short dash line. FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the front wall portion 205 of the second case 61b when viewed in the + Y direction. FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the lower surface side of the bottom wall portion 200 of the second case 61b, and is a view when the second case 61b is viewed from the + Z direction side.

[Second liquid container]
The second liquid container 100b has substantially the same configuration as the first liquid container 100a except for the points described below (FIGS. 14 and 15). In the second liquid container 100b, the width in the X direction is larger than that of the first liquid container 100a so that the amount of liquid that can be stored is larger than that of the first liquid container 100a.

The second liquid accommodating body 100b includes an accommodating portion 110b and a connecting member 120b, similarly to the first liquid accommodating body 100a (FIGS. 14 and 15). The accommodating portion 110b of the second liquid accommodating body 100b has substantially the same configuration as the accommodating portion 110a of the first liquid accommodating body 100a except that the width in the X direction is large.

The connecting member 120b of the second liquid accommodating body 100b has substantially the same configuration as the connecting member 120a of the first liquid accommodating body 100a except that a pair of side end support portions 162 are added. Each side end support portion 162 projects in the + X direction or the −X direction at the end portion on the −Y direction side of the main body portion having substantially the same shape as the connecting member 120a of the first liquid container 100a. Each side end support portion 162 holds a corner portion of the accommodating portion 110b on the + Y direction side.

See FIG. The arrangement configuration of the components for connecting to the second connection receiving portion 50b of the connecting member 120b of the second liquid accommodating body 100b is substantially the same as that of the connecting member 120a of the first liquid accommodating body 100a. Since the connection member 120b of the second liquid container 100b has a small change from the connection member 120a of the first liquid container 100a, parts can be shared and the manufacturing cost thereof can be reduced. Further, the second connection receiving portion 50b corresponding to the connecting member 120b of the second liquid accommodating body 100b can have substantially the same configuration as the first connecting receiving portion 50a corresponding to the connecting member 120a of the first liquid accommodating body 100a. , The manufacturing cost of the connecting member 120 can be reduced.

In the following description, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish between the accommodating portion 110a of the first liquid accommodating body 100a and the accommodating portion 110b of the second liquid accommodating body 100b, the accommodating portions 110a and 110b are referred to as "accommodating portions 110". Collectively referred to. Further, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish between the connecting member 120a of the first liquid accommodating body 100a and the connecting member 120b of the second liquid accommodating body 100b, the connecting members 120a and 120b are collectively referred to as "connecting member 120".

[Second case]
The second case 61b has substantially the same configuration as the first case 61a except that it is modified to fit the width of the second liquid container 100b in the X direction (FIGS. 14, 15, and 15). 16 to 18). Additional wall portions 232 are provided at both ends in the X direction at the ends of the second case 61b on the + Y direction side. The additional wall portion 232 faces any one of the pair of side end support portions 162 of the connecting member 120b in the Y direction when the second liquid accommodating body 100b is arranged (FIG. 13).

[Liquid container mounting mechanism]
A mechanism for attaching the liquid container 100 to the connection receiving portion 50 will be described with reference to FIG. The upper part of FIG. 19 shows the first liquid container 100a arranged in the first case 61a when viewed in the −Y direction. Further, in the lower part of FIG. 19, a part of the first connection receiving portion 50a when viewed in the −Z direction is shown so as to correspond to the first liquid container 100a in the upper part. The following description is common to the mounting of the first liquid container 100a on the first connection receiving unit 50a and the mounting of the second liquid container 100b on the second connection receiving unit 50b.

In the case accommodating portion 60 (FIG. 3), when the liquid accommodating body 100 is arranged in the case 61 and moved in the + Y direction toward the arrangement region LA, first, a pair of receiving portions 150a of the liquid accommodating body 100 a. , 150b, a pair of positioning portions 53a, 53b of the connection receiving portion 50 is inserted, and the liquid outlet 131 of the liquid container 100 is positioned.

Then, the liquid introduction unit 51 of the connection receiving unit 50 is inserted into the liquid outlet 131 of the liquid container 100, and the liquid outlet 131 of the liquid container 100 and the liquid introduction unit 51 of the connection receiving unit 50 are connected. To. Before the connection between the liquid outlet 131 and the liquid introduction portion 51 is completely completed, the peripheral rib 133 provided around the liquid outlet 131 has a base end member 57 around the liquid introduction portion 51. Contact. When the liquid container 100 and the case 61 are pushed in the + Y direction until the connection between the liquid outlet 131 and the liquid introduction portion 51 is completed, the base end member 57 is displaced in the + Y direction. The liquid container 100 is urged in the −Y direction by an urging member provided inside the base end member 57.

In parallel with the connection between the liquid outlet 131 and the liquid introduction section 51, the device-side electrical connection section 52 of the connection receiving section 50 is inserted into the substrate arrangement section 144 of the liquid container 100 to make an electrical connection on the container side. It comes into electrical contact with the substrate portion 141 of the portion 140. When the connection between the liquid outlet 131 and the liquid introduction section 51 is completed, the electrical connection between the housing-side electrical connection section 140 and the device-side electrical connection section 52 is established.

The device-side fixing structure 54 of the connection receiving portion 50 has a convex portion 210 constituting the inlet of the groove portion 215 of the case 61 before the pair of positioning portions 53a and 53b are inserted into the pair of receiving portions 150a and 150b. It is inserted into the internal space 211 of. When the connection between the liquid outlet 131 and the liquid introduction portion 51 is completed, the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixing structure 54 has a case-side fixing structure 220 (FIGS. 12 and 18) of the case 61 by an engagement mechanism described later. Engage with the engaged part of. As described above, the state in which the position of the case 61 is fixed to the predetermined arrangement area LA (FIG. 3) in the case 61 is the “case storage state in which the case 61 is attached to the case storage portion 60”.

In the liquid container 100 of the present embodiment, the electrical connection unit 140 on the container side is located between the liquid outlet 131 and the first receiving unit 150a in the X direction. Therefore, the pair of positioning portions 53a and 53b and the pair of receiving portions 150a and 150b enhance the positioning accuracy of the accommodation side electrical connection portion 140 with respect to the device side electrical connection portion 52 in the X direction together with the liquid outlet 131. ..

Further, in the liquid container 100 of the present embodiment, the recess 160 accommodating the internal space 211 which is the inlet portion of the case-side fixed structure 220 is between the liquid outlet 131 and the first receiving portion 150a in the X direction. Is located in. Therefore, the pair of positioning portions 53a and 53b and the pair of receiving portions 150a and 150b guide the movement of the device-side fixing structure 54 in the Y direction after the device-side fixing structure 54 is inserted into the groove portion 215. The positioning accuracy of the device-side fixed structure 54 with respect to the case-side fixed structure 220 is improved.

In addition, in the liquid accommodating body 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, a pair of accommodating body side electrical connection portions 140 and recesses 160 are provided between the liquid outlet 131 and the first receiving portion 150a. The distance between the receiving portions 150a and 150b in the X direction is large. Therefore, the accuracy of the above-mentioned positioning by the pair of positioning portions 53a and 53b and the pair of receiving portions 150a and 150b is further improved.

As described above, in the liquid container 100 of the present embodiment, the opening shape is different between the first opening 151a of the first receiving portion 150a and the second opening 151b of the second receiving portion 150b. _{The opening width W 2} of the second opening 151b in the X direction is larger than the _{opening width W 1 of} the first opening 151a in the X direction. With this configuration, it is possible to allow a margin in the horizontal angle of the second positioning portion 53b with respect to the Y direction when the second positioning portion 53b is inserted into the second receiving portion 150b. Therefore, the operation of connecting the liquid container 100 to the connection receiving portion 50 is facilitated. Further, by providing such a margin, the stress generated when the second positioning portion 53b is inserted into the second receiving portion 150b when the liquid accommodating body 100 is connected to the connection receiving portion 50 is reduced. .. In the present embodiment, the opening widths of the first opening 151a and the second opening 151b in the Z direction are substantially the same, but the opening widths of the first opening 151a and the second opening 151b in the Z direction are different. May be good.

[Mechanism of engagement of device-side fixed structure with case-side fixed structure]
With reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B, the engagement mechanism of the device-side fixing structure 54 with the case-side fixing structure 220 of the case 61 will be described. 20A and 20B respectively show a case-side fixed structure 220 when viewed in the −Z direction. Further, in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the positions P1 to P6 of the protrusions 54p at different timings are shown by broken lines in order to show the movement locus of the protrusions 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 in the groove 215.

First, the configuration of the case-side fixed structure 220 will be described with reference to FIG. 20A. The case-side fixed structure 220 has a central convex portion 221 protruding in the + Z direction in the center of a deep region on the −Y direction side of the internal space 211 of the convex portion 210. When viewed in the Z direction, the outer peripheral wall surface of the central convex portion 221 constitutes a substantially triangular outer peripheral contour line. The inside of the central convex portion 221 is lightened.

The outer peripheral wall surface of the central convex portion 221 includes a first wall surface 222, a second wall surface 223, and a third wall surface 224. The first wall surface 222 extends in an oblique direction between the X direction and the Y direction. At least a part of the first wall surface 222 overlaps with the internal space 211 in the Y direction. The second wall surface 223 extends in the X direction and intersects the first wall surface 222. The third wall surface 224 extends in the Y direction and intersects the first wall surface 222 and the second wall surface 223. The third wall surface 224 overlaps with the internal space 211 of the convex portion 210 in the Y direction.

The central convex portion 221 has a first protruding wall portion 225 and a second protruding wall portion 226. The first protruding wall portion 225 is located at the end of the second wall surface 223 on the −X direction side, along the direction in which the first wall surface 222 extends from the second wall surface 223, in the −Y direction side. It slightly extends from the wall surface 223. The second protruding wall portion 226 is a wall portion that functions as an engaged portion. Hereinafter, the second protruding wall portion 226 may be referred to as an engaged portion 226. The second protruding wall portion 226 slightly extends from the second wall surface 223 in the −Y direction along the direction in which the third wall surface 224 extends at the end portion of the second wall surface 223 on the + X direction side. ing.

The case-side fixed structure 220 further has a third protruding wall portion 227. The third protruding wall portion 227 is formed as a part of the rib 216. The third protruding wall portion 227 protrudes from the rib 216 toward the second wall surface 223 in the + Y direction at a position facing the second wall surface 223 of the central convex portion 221 in the Y direction.

For convenience of explanation, the groove portion 215 is divided into a first groove portion 215a, a second groove portion 215b, a third groove portion 215c, and a fourth groove portion 215d. The first groove portion 215a is a portion formed by the internal space 211 and extending in the Y direction. The second groove portion 215b faces the first wall surface 222 and extends in an oblique direction between the X direction and the Y direction. The third groove portion 215c includes a portion facing the second wall surface 223, and is a portion formed by three projecting wall portions 225 to 227 so as to meander in a substantially zigzag direction in the X direction. The fourth groove portion 215d faces the third wall surface 224 and extends in the + Y direction toward the first groove portion 215a.

The first bottom surface 228a, which is the bottom surface of the first groove portion 215a, constitutes an inclined surface that gradually rises in the + Z direction toward the −Y direction. The second bottom surface 228b, which is the bottom surface of the portion connected to the first groove portion 215a of the second groove portion 215b, constitutes a substantially horizontal horizontal plane. The third bottom surface 228c located near the center of the second groove portion 215b constitutes an inclined surface that falls in the −Z direction from the second bottom surface 228b. The fourth bottom surface 228d including the bottom surface of the end portion of the second groove portion 215b on the −Y direction side and the bottom surface of the third groove portion 215c constitutes a substantially horizontal horizontal plane. The fifth bottom surface 228e, which is the bottom surface of the fourth groove portion 215d, constitutes an inclined surface that rises from the fourth bottom surface 228d in the + Z direction toward the + Y direction side. The sixth bottom surface 228f, which is the bottom surface between the first bottom surface 228a and the fifth bottom surface 228e, constitutes a substantially horizontal horizontal plane.

With reference to FIG. 20A, the engagement between the second protruding wall portion 226 (engaged portion 226) of the case-side fixed structure 220 and the protruding portion 54p (engaged portion) of the device-side fixed structure 54 is completed. The mechanism up to is explained. When the tip portion 54t of the device-side fixed structure 54 is inserted in the −Y direction with respect to the first groove portion 215a, the end surface of the tip portion 54t on the + X direction side becomes the side wall surface 229 on the + X direction side of the first groove portion 215a. Upon contact, the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixing structure 54 is located at a position away from the side wall surface 229 (P1). At this time, since the end surface of the tip portion 54t is pushed in the −X direction by the side wall surface 229, the device-side fixed structure 54 rotates in the −X direction side as compared with the case where no external force in the horizontal direction is applied. It is in a state of being. In the process of moving from the position P1 in the + Y direction, the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 comes into contact with the first bottom surface 228a, which is an inclined surface, and is pushed in the + Z direction by the first bottom surface 228a.

When the liquid container 100 is further pushed in the + Y direction, the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixing structure 54 is pushed by the first bottom surface 228a in the + Z direction, and the tip portion 54t of the device-side fixing structure 54 is + Z of the rib 216. It is located on the + Z direction side of the end face on the direction side and is separated from the rib 216. Then, the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 comes into contact with the first wall surface 222 and rides on the horizontal second bottom surface 228b (position P2).

The protrusion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 moves in the −Y direction along the first wall surface 222 while being pushed toward the −X direction by the first wall surface 222, and is horizontal below the third bottom surface 228c. It reaches the third bottom surface 228c and reaches the position where it contacts the first protruding wall portion 225 (position P3). After that, when the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 further moves to the −Y direction side and the contact state with the first protruding wall portion 225 is released, the device-side fixed structure 54 moves toward the + X direction side. Due to the applied urging force, it moves instantaneously toward the + X direction and collides with the third protruding wall portion 227 (position P4). This collision produces a clicking sound.

When the user releases the force applied to the liquid container 100 and the case 61 in the + Y direction by using the click sound as a signal, the liquid container is urged by the base end member 57 (FIG. 19) in the + Y direction. The 100 and the case 61 move slightly in the + Y direction. As a result, the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 moves in the + Y direction along the third protruding wall portion 227, and the contact state of the protrusion 54p with the third protruding wall portion 227 is released. Then, the protrusion 54p instantaneously moves toward the + X direction due to the urging force applied to the device-side fixed structure 54 toward the + X direction, and collides with the second wall surface 223 and the second protrusion wall 226. It is received (position P5).

In this way, at the position P5, the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 is locked to the second protruding wall portion 226 of the case-side fixed structure 220, and the second protruding wall portion 226 of the case-side fixed structure 220 and the device side. It engages with the protrusion 54p of the fixed structure 54. Hereinafter, the second protruding wall portion 226 may be referred to as a “locking portion 226” in addition to the “engaged portion 226”. By engaging the second protruding wall portion 226 of the case-side fixed structure 220 with the protruding portion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54, the case 61 is restricted from moving in the −Y direction, and the case 61 is housed in the case. The case attached to the portion 60 is stored. In this state, the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 is in contact with the fourth bottom surface 228d. As described above, the device-side fixed structure 54 is urged in the −Z direction by an elastic member (not shown) arranged inside the connection receiving portion 50, and when an external force is applied in the + Z direction. It rotates elastically in the + Z direction. This urging force in the + Z direction is transmitted to the fourth bottom surface 228d (FIG. 20A) through the protrusion 54p. That is, in the case storage state in which the case 61 is attached to the case storage portion 60, the protrusion 54p is in a state in which a force is applied to the case 61 in the −Z direction.

Here, in the case storage state in which the engaged portion 226 of the case-side fixed structure 220 and the engaging portion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 are engaged, the housing-side electrical connection portion 140 is the device. It is electrically connected to the side electrical connection portion 52, and the housing side electrical connection portion 140 is in a state of receiving a force at least in the + Z direction from the device side electrical connection portion 52. In the case of the liquid container 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, the recess 160 and the electrical connection portion 140 on the container side are in a positional relationship in which at least a part thereof overlaps when viewed in the Z direction. The concave portion 160 accommodates the convex portion 210 of the case 61. The internal space 211 of the convex portion 210 constitutes at least a part of the case-side fixed structure 220. At least a part of the force in the + Z direction received by the electrical connection portion 140 on the housing side from the electrical connection portion 52 on the device side is canceled by the force received by the case 61 in the −Z direction from the protrusion 54p. Therefore, the Z-direction component of the force received by the liquid container 100 on the + Y-direction side is reduced, and the arrangement posture of the liquid container 100 in the Z-direction is suppressed from deviating from the assumed proper posture. .. Therefore, deterioration of the arrangement posture of the liquid container 100 with respect to the connection receiving portion 50 is suppressed, and the connection state thereof is improved. Further, since it is suppressed that unnecessary stress is generated at the connection portion between the connection receiving portion 50 and the liquid accommodating body 100 as the arrangement posture of the liquid accommodating body 100 is lowered, the connection receiving portion 50 and the liquid accommodating portion 50 and the liquid accommodating body 100 are suppressed. Damage / deterioration of the various components described above for connecting to the body 100 is suppressed.

With reference to FIG. 20B, a mechanism for disengaging the engagement state between the case-side fixed structure 220 and the device-side fixed structure 54 will be described. In the liquid injection device 10 of the present embodiment, as described below, when the case-side fixed structure 220 and the device-side fixed structure 54 are in the above-mentioned engaged state, the case 61 is further pushed in the + Y direction. When it is done, it is configured to release the engaged state. When the user pushes the case 61 in the + Y direction, the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 moves from the position P5 in the + Y direction, and is released from the state of being engaged with the second protrusion wall portion 226 in the + X direction. Therefore, the protrusion 54p instantaneously moves toward the + X direction due to the urging force applied to the device-side fixed structure 54 by the urging member toward the + X direction side, and the side wall surface 229 on the + X direction side of the rib 216. Collision with (position P6).

As a result, the protrusion 54p is located at the fourth groove 215d, so that the protrusion 54p is allowed to move in the + Y direction. That is, the engagement state between the case-side fixed structure 220 and the device-side fixed structure 54 is released. The user can know that the engagement state between the case-side fixed structure 220 and the device-side fixed structure 54 has been released by the click sound generated by the collision of the protrusion 54p with the rib 216 described above. When the protrusion 54p is allowed to move in the + Y direction, the liquid container 100 and the case 61 automatically move in the −Y direction due to the force applied in the + Y direction by the base end member 57 (FIG. 13). .. After the base end member 57 is separated from the connection receiving portion 50, the user can take out the liquid container 100 by pulling out the case 61. As can be seen from the above description, the groove portion 215 constitutes a loop-shaped guide path for guiding the protrusion 54p. The entrance part and the exit part of the guide route are common. The guide path is composed of a locking portion 226 for locking the protrusion 54p provided on the way, an inlet side guide path, and an exit side guide path. The entrance side guide path is a path portion from the above-mentioned entrance portion to the locking portion 226. The exit side guide path is a path portion from the locking portion 226 to the above-mentioned exit portion.

[Packing of liquid container]
21A and 21B are schematic views for explaining a method of packing the liquid container 100. It is desirable that the liquid container 100 is packed as follows before being attached to the case 61 of the liquid injection device 10, such as when shipped from a factory. In the first step, the entire liquid container 100 is housed in a packing material 300 having a flexible film member configured in a bag shape and airtightly sealed (FIG. 21A).

It is desirable that the packing material 300 is made of a material having a good gas barrier property. Packing material 300 is desirably the gas permeability is less than 1.0 [cc / ^{(m 2} · day · atm)], is 0.5 [cc / ^{(m 2} · day · atm)] or less Is more desirable. Further, the gas permeability of the packaging material 300 is more desirable that the 0.1 [cc / ^{(m 2} · day · atm)] or less. The gas permeability may be a value measured by the isobaric method. The isobaric method encloses an inert gas at the same pressure in two indoor spaces separated by a diaphragm formed of a sample, and then injects a test gas into one of the indoor spaces to inject the test gas. Is a method of measuring the speed at which a gas permeates a sample and moves into the other indoor space. The packing material 300 is made of, for example, an aluminum foil, a silica-deposited film, or an aluminum-deposited film. When considering the gas barrier property, the aluminum foil, the silica-deposited film, and the aluminum-deposited film are preferable in this order.

The packing material 300 is provided with an air suction port 301 communicating with the internal space in advance. In the second step, the suction pump 310 is connected to the air suction port 301 to reduce the pressure in the internal space of the packing material 300. In this step, it is desirable that the packing material 300 is depressurized to such an extent that it is in close contact with the entire liquid container 100 (FIG. 21B).

If the internal space of the packing material 300 is decompressed, the air existing in the accommodating portion 110 of the liquid accommodating body 100 can be guided to the outside of the accommodating portion 110, and the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 110 can be guided to the outside. Durability can be increased. Further, since the accommodating portion 110 is tightly wrapped by the packing material 300, deformation of the accommodating portion 110 having flexibility is suppressed. Therefore, the deterioration of the stability of the liquid in the accommodating portion 110 is suppressed, for example, the liquid in the accommodating portion 110 fluctuates due to the deformation of the accommodating portion 110. In addition, by suppressing the deformation of the accommodating portion 110, the maneuverability of the liquid accommodating body 100 is enhanced.

Instead of performing the decompression step by the suction pump 310 in the second step described above, the liquid container 100 may be wrapped in the packing material 300 so that the liquid container 100 is tightly tightened in the first step. .. Even with such a method, the packing material 300 can easily suppress the deformation of the accommodating portion 110, and the protection of the liquid and the maneuverability of the liquid accommodating body 100 are improved.

[Summary of the first embodiment]
As described above, according to the liquid container 100 of the present embodiment, at least one of the forces in the Z direction received from the device-side electrical connection portion 52 by the container-side electrical connection portion 140 in a state of being mounted on the liquid injection device 10. The portion is reduced by the force that the case 61 receives from the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54, that is, the engaging portion 54p. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid container 100 from being displaced from the proper posture in the Z direction. Further, since the width of the liquid container 100 in the Z direction is smaller than the width of the liquid container 100 in the X direction and the width in the Y direction, the arrangement posture of the liquid container 100 on the case 61 is stabilized. Therefore, the connection state of the liquid container 100 to the liquid injection device 10 is improved. In addition, various effects described in the above-described embodiment can be exhibited. Such effects can be similarly obtained in the liquid injection system 11 in which the liquid container 100 is mounted on the liquid injection device 10.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid container 100B in the second embodiment. The liquid container 100B of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first liquid container 100a of the first embodiment except for the points described below. Like the first liquid container 100a of the first embodiment, the liquid container 100B of the second embodiment is housed in the case storage portion 60 of the liquid injection device 10 in a state of being arranged in the first case 61a. , Is connected to the first connection receiving unit 50a.

In the liquid container 100B of the second embodiment, a plurality of protective wall portions 135 are provided around the peripheral rib 133 surrounding the liquid outlet 131. The plurality of protective wall portions 135 are arranged above and laterally along the peripheral portion 132 above and laterally to the liquid outlet 131. The plurality of protective wall portions 135 project most in the −Y direction in the liquid container 100. In the liquid container 100B of the second embodiment, the protection property of the liquid outlet 131 is enhanced by the plurality of protective wall portions 135.

In the liquid container 100B of the second embodiment, the peripheral rib 133 and the peripheral portion 132 recessed in the −Y direction may be omitted. Further, the liquid outlet 131 may be provided so as to project in the −Y direction within a range that does not project in the −Y direction from the plurality of protective wall portions 135. The plurality of protective wall portions 135 may have different lengths in the −Y direction. The plurality of protective wall portions 135 may be applied to the second liquid container 100b described in the first embodiment. According to the liquid injection system 11 in which the liquid container 100B of the second embodiment and the liquid container 100B of the second embodiment are mounted on the liquid injection device 10, various effects described in the first embodiment are performed. Can be played.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid container 100C according to the third embodiment. The liquid container 100C of the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first liquid container 100a of the first embodiment except for the points described below. Like the first liquid container 100a of the first embodiment, the liquid container 100C of the third embodiment is housed in the case storage portion 60 of the liquid injection device 10 in a state of being arranged in the first case 61a. , Is connected to the first connection receiving unit 50a.

The liquid container 100C of the third embodiment is provided with a protective wall portion 136 projecting in the −Y direction only in the region above the liquid outlet 131. The protective wall portion 136 protrudes most in the −Y direction in the liquid container 100. A slit 136s extending in the Y direction is formed at the center of the protective wall portion 136 in the X direction. The slit 136s may be omitted. Even in the liquid container 100B of the third embodiment, the protective property of the liquid outlet 131 is enhanced by the protective wall portion 136.

In the liquid container 100C of the third embodiment, the peripheral rib 133 and the peripheral portion 132 recessed in the −Y direction may be omitted. Further, the liquid outlet 131 may be provided so as to project in the −Y direction within a range that does not project in the −Y direction from the protective wall portion 136. The protective wall portion 136 may be applied to the second liquid container 100b described in the first embodiment. According to the liquid injection system 11 in which the liquid container 100C of the third embodiment and the liquid container 100C of the third embodiment are mounted on the liquid injection device 10, various effects described in the first embodiment are performed. Can be played.

D. Fourth Embodiment:
FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid container 100D according to the fourth embodiment. The liquid container 100D of the fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first liquid container 100a of the first embodiment except for the points described below. Like the first liquid container 100a of the first embodiment, the liquid container 100D of the fourth embodiment is housed in the case storage portion 60 of the liquid injection device 10 in a state of being arranged in the first case 61a. , Is connected to the first connection receiving unit 50a.

In the liquid container 100D of the fourth embodiment, the peripheral rib 133 is omitted, and the periphery of the peripheral edge 132 protrudes in the −Y direction as a whole, so that the peripheral convex portion 137 surrounding the liquid outlet 131 is formed. There is. The peripheral convex portion 137 protrudes most in the −Y direction in the liquid container 100. According to the liquid container 100D of the fourth embodiment, the protective property of the liquid outlet 131 is enhanced by the peripheral convex portion 137. The peripheral convex portion 137 may be provided with a cut in the middle. The peripheral rib 133 described in the first embodiment may be provided on the end surface of the peripheral convex portion 137 on the −Y direction side.

In the liquid container 100D of the fourth embodiment, the liquid outlet 131 may be provided so as to protrude in the −Y direction as long as it does not protrude in the −Y direction from the peripheral convex portion 137. The peripheral convex portion 137 may be applied to the second liquid container 100b described in the first embodiment. According to the liquid injection system 11 in which the liquid container 100D of the fourth embodiment and the liquid container 100D of the fourth embodiment are mounted on the liquid injection device 10, various effects described in the first embodiment are exhibited. be able to.

E. Fifth Embodiment:
FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view showing the case 61E in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 25 illustrates a state in which the first liquid container 100a described in the first embodiment is arranged in the case 61E of the fifth embodiment and the opening / closing lid portion 235 is opened. The case 61E of the fifth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first case 61a described in the first embodiment except that the opening / closing lid portion 235 is added.

The opening / closing lid portion 235 rotates above the liquid container 100 with the hinge portion 236 provided at the end on the −Y direction side as a fulcrum. When the opening / closing lid portion 235 is closed, the entire accommodating portion 110a of the first liquid accommodating body 100a arranged in the case 61E is almost entirely covered by the opening / closing lid portion 235 and the lid member 203. This enhances the protection of the first liquid container 100a.

At the outer peripheral end of the opening / closing lid portion 235, a claw portion 237 that can be engaged with the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 is provided. The lid member 203 may be omitted, and the upper part of the accommodating portion 110a may be covered only by the opening / closing lid portion 235. Further, the hinge portion 236 and the claw portion 237 of the opening / closing lid portion 235 may be omitted. The opening / closing lid portion 235 may be applied to the second case 61b described in the first embodiment. According to the case 61E of the fourth embodiment, various effects described in the first embodiment can be exhibited in addition to the above.

F. Sixth Embodiment:
The configurations of the liquid container 100F and the case 61F in the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28. FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view showing the liquid container 100F arranged in the case 61F. FIG. 27 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the liquid container 100F is removed from the case 61F. FIG. 28 is a schematic view of the liquid container 100F arranged in the case 61F when viewed in the −Y direction. The liquid container 100F and the case 61F in the sixth embodiment have substantially the same configurations as the liquid container 100 and the case 61 in the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

The liquid injection device to which the liquid container 100F of the sixth embodiment is mounted is substantially the same as the liquid injection device 10 described in the first embodiment except that it is an inkjet printer that executes monochromatic printing. In the liquid injection device of the sixth embodiment, almost the entire case storage portion 60 in the X direction is occupied by one liquid container 100F. One connection receiving unit 50 is installed around the center in the X direction in the area on the + Y direction side of the case storage unit 60.

The housing portion 110F of the liquid container 100F of the sixth embodiment has a longer width in the X direction than the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment, and is larger than the width in the Y direction. In the connecting member 120F of the liquid container 100F, both ends in the X direction are extended in the + X direction or the −X direction, respectively, according to the width of the storage unit 110F in the X direction. The connecting member 120F is configured to be connectable to the connection receiving unit 50 having the same configuration as described in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the connecting member 120F, the liquid outlet 131, the electrical connection portion 140 on the housing side, the first receiving portion 150a, the second receiving portion 150b, and the fitting structure receiving portion, which are components for connecting to the connection receiving portion 50, are used. The layout of the 155 is substantially the same as that of the connecting member 120 of the first embodiment.

In the case 61F of the sixth embodiment, the width of the bottom wall portion 200 in the X direction is expanded to fit the liquid container 100F, and the distance between the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 and the lid member are increased. The width of 203 in the X direction is expanded. Further, a pair of fitting wall portions 238 protruding in the −Z direction are provided at the end portion on the + Y direction side of the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 200 of the case 61F of the sixth embodiment. The pair of fitting wall portions 238 are provided at positions that sandwich the convex portion 210 and the pair of fitting convex portions 207 in the X direction. Each fitting wall portion 238 is provided so that the wall surface thereof is substantially orthogonal to the Y direction. When the liquid container 100F is arranged in the case 61F, each fitting wall portion 238 is inserted into a fitting groove (not shown) provided in the fourth surface portion 124 of the connecting member 120 and fitted. .. This enhances the stability of the arrangement posture of the liquid container 100F in the case 61F.

According to the liquid container 100F of the sixth embodiment, the ink storage capacity can be increased. In addition, the stability of the arrangement posture of the liquid container 100F is enhanced. In addition, according to the liquid injection system in which the liquid container 100F of the sixth embodiment and the liquid container 100F of the sixth embodiment are mounted on the liquid injection device, various effects described in the first embodiment can be obtained. Can play. The liquid injection device to which the liquid container 100F of the sixth embodiment is mounted may have a configuration in which a plurality of liquid containers 100F are stacked in the Z direction and mounted in parallel.

G. Seventh Embodiment:
A seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31. In the seventh embodiment, examples of various combinations of the liquid container 100 and the case 61 will be described. In the example of FIG. 29, the first liquid container 100a is arranged on the second case 61b. The connecting member 120a of the first liquid container 100a is supported in a state of being sandwiched in the X direction by the additional wall portion 232 of the second case 61b. By this combination, the first liquid container 100a may be arranged in the arrangement area LA (FIG. 3) in which the second case 61b is arranged in the case storage part 60.

In the example of FIG. 30, the first liquid container 100a is arranged on the case 61F of the sixth embodiment. The connecting member 120a of the first liquid container 100a is supported in a state of being sandwiched in the X direction by a pair of fitting wall portions 238 of the case 61F. With this combination, the first liquid container 100a can be stably mounted on the liquid injection device described in the sixth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 31, the second liquid container 100b may be arranged in the case 61F of the sixth embodiment.

H. Modification example of each embodiment:
A modification of the configuration of each of the above embodiments will be described as a modification.

H1. Modification 1: Modification 1:
In each of the above embodiments, the Y direction, which is the moving direction of the liquid container 100 and the case 61 in the case storage unit 60, coincides with the front-rear direction of the liquid injection device 10. On the other hand, the Y direction, which is the moving direction of the liquid container 100 and the case 61 in the case storage unit 60, does not have to coincide with the front-rear direction of the liquid injection device 10. The Y direction, which is the moving direction of the liquid container 100 and the case 61 in the case storage unit 60, may be, for example, the lateral direction of the liquid injection device 10. That is, the mounting openings of the liquid container 100 and the case 61 may be provided on the right or left side surface of the liquid injection device 10. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case accommodating portion 60 is provided at the lowest position in the liquid injection device 10. On the other hand, the case storage portion 60 may be formed at another height position. The case storage portion 60 may be provided at the central portion in the Z direction.

H2. Modification 2:
The liquid injection device 10 of the first embodiment is equipped with four liquid containers 100, and the liquid injection device of the sixth embodiment is equipped with one liquid container 100F. The number of liquid containers 100 mounted on the liquid injection device is not limited to the number of each of the above embodiments. For example, the liquid injection device may be configured so that only one of the first liquid container 100a or the second liquid container 100b of the first embodiment can be mounted, and the liquid injection device may be the sixth embodiment. It may be configured so that two or more liquid containers 100F can be stored. Further, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the liquid injection device 10 is equipped with two types of liquid containers 100a and 100b. On the other hand, the liquid injection device 10 may be equipped with three or more types of liquid containers having different configurations.

H3. Modification 3:
In each of the above embodiments, the case-side fixed structure 220 has a heart cam groove structure. On the other hand, the case-side fixed structure 220 does not have to have a heart cam groove structure. The case-side fixed structure 220 may be configured, for example, to have only a stepped portion in which the protrusion 54p of the device-side fixed structure 54 engages in the −Y direction in the engaged state. In this case, it is desirable that the device-side fixing structure 54 is configured so that it can be moved in the X direction to release the engaged state by a user operation or the like.

H4. Modification 4:
In each of the above embodiments, the first receiving portion 150a and the second receiving portion 150b are configured as holes into which the corresponding positioning portions 53a and 53b are inserted, respectively. On the other hand, the first receiving portion 150a and the second receiving portion 150b may not be configured as a hole portion, and may be formed as, for example, a slit extending in the Z direction. Further, it may be configured as a contact portion where the tips of the positioning portions 53a and 53b are in contact with each other.

H5. Modification 5:
In each of the above embodiments, the housing-side electrical connection portion 140 includes a substrate portion 141. On the other hand, the electrical connection portion 140 on the housing side does not have to include the substrate portion 141. The housing-side electrical connection portion 140 may have, for example, a configuration having only an electrode portion with which the device-side electrical connection portion 52 is in electrical contact. In each of the above embodiments, the substrate portion 141 of the electrical connection portion 140 on the housing side is arranged so as to face diagonally upward. On the other hand, the substrate portion 141 of the electrical connection portion 140 on the housing side may not be arranged so as to face diagonally upward. The substrate portion 141 may be arranged at an angle that allows it to be electrically connected to the device-side electrical connection section 52 while receiving a force from the device-side electrical connection section 52 toward the + Z direction. The substrate portion 141 may be arranged substantially horizontally so as to face the −Z direction, for example.

H6. Modification 6:
The configuration of the liquid container 100 is not limited to the configuration described in each of the above embodiments. For example, the accommodating portion 110 of the liquid accommodating body 100 may have a substantially disk shape. Further, in the connection receiving portion 50, the liquid outlet 131 may not be located at the center in the X direction, and the housing-side electrical connecting portion 140 may be provided at the center in the X direction. The liquid outlet 131 may not be provided between the pair of receiving portions 150a and 150b in the X direction. Further, the pair of receiving portions 150a and 150b may not be provided at the same height position, or may have substantially the same opening shape and opening size. The housing-side electrical connection portion 140 may not be formed at a position recessed in the −Y direction side, or may be formed at a position protruding in the + Y direction side.

H7. Modification 7:
The configuration of the case 61 in which the liquid container 100 is arranged is not limited to the configuration described in each of the above embodiments. The case 61 does not have to have a tray-like structure, and may be composed of, for example, a frame-shaped member in which a plurality of columnar members are combined.

H8. Modification 8:
The connection receiving unit 50 to which the liquid container 100 is connected is not limited to the configuration described in each of the above embodiments. The connection receiving unit 50 does not have to be configured as a single component, and the liquid introduction unit 51, the device-side electrical connection unit 52, and the pair of positioning units 53a and 53b are independently separated and arranged as different members. It may have a configuration that is present.

H9. Modification 9:
The liquid injection device 10 of each of the above embodiments is a printer, and the liquid injection system 11 is an inkjet printing system. On the other hand, the liquid injection device 10 does not have to be a printer, and the liquid injection system 11 does not have to be a printing system. The liquid injection device 10 may be configured as, for example, a cleaning device that injects a liquid detergent. In this case, the liquid injection system is a cleaning system.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized with various configurations within a range not deviating from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each of the embodiments described in the column of the outline of the invention may be used to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems. , Can be replaced or combined as appropriate to achieve some or all of the above effects. Further, the present specification is not limited to those described as being optional, and if the technical features are not described as essential in the present specification, they may be appropriately deleted. It is possible.

10 ... Liquid injection device, 10c ... Housing, 11 ... Liquid injection system, 12 ... Front part, 13 ... Operation unit, 13b ... Operation button, 13i ... Display unit, 14 ... Medium discharge port, 15 ... Media receiving unit, 16 ... Medium storage port, 17 ... Medium storage unit, 18 ... Cover member, 20 ... Control unit, 30 ... Injection execution unit, 31 ... Head unit, 32 ... Tube, 32r ... Curved part, 33 ... Nozzle, 34 ... Carriage, 35 ... Medium transport section, 36 ... transport roller, 40 ... liquid supply section, 42 ... supply pipe, 43 ... joint section, 45 ... variable pressure generating section, 46 ... pressure transmission pipe, 50 ... connection receiving section, 50a ... first connection receiving section. Section, 50b ... Second connection receiving section, 51 ... Liquid introduction section, 51p ... Through hole, 51t ... Tip section, 52 ... Device side electrical connection section, 52t ... Terminal section, 53a ... First positioning section, 53b ... Second Positioning part, 53g ... Groove part, 54 ... Device side fixed structure, 54p ... Protrusion part (engagement part), 54t ... Tip part, 55 ... Fitting structure, 55c ... Protrusion part, 56 ... Liquid receiving part, 57 ... Base end Member, 60 ... Case storage, 61, 61a, 61b, 61E, 61F ... Case, 62 ... Opening member, 63 ... Through hole, 64 ... Rail groove, 65 ... Roller, 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100B, 100C , 100D, 100F ... Liquid accommodating body, 110, 110a, 110b, 110F ... Accommodating portion, 111 ... First sheet member, 112 ... Second sheet member, 113 ... Outer peripheral end portion, 120, 120a, 120b, 120F ... Connecting member , 121 ... 1st surface, 122 ... 2nd surface, 123 ... 3rd surface, 125 ... 5th surface, 126 ... 6th surface, 128 ... slit, 131 ... liquid outlet, 132 ... peripheral edge 133 ... peripheral rib , 135 ... Protective wall part, 136 ... Protective wall part, 136s ... Slit, 137 ... Peripheral convex part, 140 ... Housing side electrical connection part, 141 ... Board part, 141s ... Surface, 142 ... Terminal part, 144 ... Board arrangement part , 144s ... Inclined surface, 145 ... Wall, 150a ... First receiving part, 150b ... Second receiving part, 151a ... First opening, 151b ... Second opening, 155 ... Fitting structure receiving part, 156 ... Projection 157 ... valley portion, 160 ... concave portion, 161 ... fitting concave portion, 162 ... side end support portion, 200 ... bottom wall portion, 201 ... first side wall portion, 201t ... engaging convex portion, 202 ... second side wall portion , 202t ... engaging convex part, 203 ... lid member, 203t ... claw part, 204 ... concave part, 205 ... front wall part, 207 ... fitting convex part, 210 ... convex part, 211 ... internal space, 213 ... narrow groove part , 214 ... Stepped part, 215 ... Groove part, 215a ... 1st groove portion, 215b ... 2nd groove portion, 215c ... 3rd groove portion, 215d ... 4th groove portion, 216 ... rib, 220 ... Case side fixed structure, 221 ... central convex portion 222 ... 1st wall surface, 223 ... 2 wall surface 224 ... 3rd wall surface 225 ... 1st protruding wall portion 226 ... 2nd protruding wall portion (engaged portion, locking portion) 227 ... 3rd protruding wall portion 228a ... 1st bottom surface 228b ... 2nd bottom surface, 228c ... 3rd bottom surface, 228d ... 4th bottom surface, 228e ... 5th bottom surface, 228f ... 6th bottom surface, 229 ... side wall surface, 230 ... rail ribs, 231 ... legs, 232 ... additional wall parts, 235 ... Opening / closing lid part, 236 ... Hinge part, 237 ... Claw part, 238 ... Fitting wall part, 300 ... Packing material, 301 ... Air suction port, 310 ... Suction pump, CL ... Central axis, CP ... Contact part, LA ... Placement area, MP ... Medium, P1 to P6 ... Position

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following forms.
[Form 1]
The direction parallel to the gravity direction is the Z direction, the same direction as the gravity direction in the Z direction is the + Z direction, the direction opposite to the gravity direction in the Z direction is the −Z direction, and the Z direction. The direction orthogonal to the Y direction is the Y direction, one of the Y directions is the + Y direction, the other direction of the Y direction is the −Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction. Is the X direction, one of the X directions is the + X direction, and the other direction of the X direction is the −X direction. The device-side fixed structure located at the end of the case, the liquid introduction section located at the + Y-direction end of the case storage, and the device-side electricity located at the + Y-direction end of the case storage. It is a mounting body that can be attached to and detached from the liquid injection device including the connection portion, and can be attached to and detached from the case to be inserted into the case storage portion and the case by moving along the + Y direction. The case comprises a liquid container, and the case has a loop-shaped groove for guiding the device-side fixing structure and a locking portion for locking the device-side fixing structure provided in the groove. The liquid accommodating body is provided with a side fixing structure, and the liquid accommodating body has a flexible accommodating portion and the mounting body in the + Y direction side when the mounting body is mounted on the liquid injection device. The connecting member is provided with a connecting member located at the end of the device, and the connecting member is electrically connected to a liquid outlet into which the liquid introduction portion is inserted in the mounted state and an electrical connection portion on the device side in the mounted state. An housing-side electrical connection portion that comes into contact with the case is provided, and at least a part of the case-side fixed structure and the housing-side electrical connection portion overlap each other when viewed in the Z direction in the mounted posture. It is formed at a position, and in the mounted posture, the width of the liquid container in the Z direction is smaller than the width in the Y direction and the width in the X direction, and the case-side fixed structure and the said. In a state where the device-side fixing structure is engaged, the movement of the mounting body in the −Y direction is restricted, and the housing-side electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the device-side electrical connection portion. body.
[Form 2]
A liquid injection system including a liquid injection device and a mounting body, wherein the direction parallel to the gravity direction is the Z direction, the same direction as the gravity direction in the Z direction is the + Z direction, and the direction in the Z direction. The direction opposite to the gravity direction is the −Z direction, the direction orthogonal to the Z direction is the Y direction, one of the Y directions is the + Y direction, and the other direction is the Y direction. Is the -Y direction, the direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction is the X direction, one of the X directions is the + X direction, and the other direction of the X direction is the -X direction. Then, the liquid injection device is located at the case storage portion, the device-side fixed structure located at the + Y direction end portion of the case storage portion, and the + Y direction end portion of the case storage portion. The liquid introduction portion and the device-side electrical connection portion located at the end of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side are provided, and the mounting body moves along the + Y direction to store the case. The case includes a case to be inserted into the portion and a liquid container that can be attached to and detached from the case, and the case has a loop-shaped groove for guiding the device-side fixing structure and the device provided in the groove. The liquid container has a flexibility and has a storage portion for storing a liquid, and the liquid container has the liquid injection. A connecting member located at the end on the + Y direction side when mounted on the device is provided, and the connecting member has a liquid outlet into which the liquid introduction portion is inserted in the mounted state. And the housing side electrical connection portion that electrically contacts the device side electrical connection portion in the mounting state, and the case side fixed structure and the housing body side electrical connection portion are in the mounting state. In the posture, at least a part thereof is formed so as to overlap each other when viewed in the Z direction, and in the mounted posture, the width of the liquid container in the Z direction is the width in the Y direction and the width in the Y direction. In a state where the width is smaller than the width in the X direction and the case-side fixing structure and the device-side fixing structure are engaged, the movement of the mounting body in the −Y direction is restricted, and the housing-side electrical connection is performed. A liquid injection system in which the unit is electrically connected to the device-side electrical connection unit.

[1] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a liquid container to be mounted on a liquid injection device is provided . The direction parallel to the gravity direction and Z direction, said the said gravity direction and the same direction + Z direction of the Z-direction, the opposite direction to the gravity direction of the Z-direction and -Z direction, the Z The direction orthogonal to the direction is the Y direction, one of the Y directions is the + Y direction, the other direction of the Y direction is the −Y direction, and the Z direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to each other. The direction is defined as the X direction, one of the X directions is defined as the + X direction, and the other direction of the X direction is defined as the −X direction. The liquid injection device may include a housing, a case, a device-side fixing structure, a liquid introduction section, a device-side electrical connection section, a first positioning section, and a second positioning section. The housing may be provided with a case storage portion inside. The case may be inserted into the case accommodating portion by moving along the + Y direction. The case may have a convex portion and a case-side fixed structure. The convex portion may project toward the −Z direction at the end portion on the + Y direction side. The case-side fixed structure may include an internal space of the convex portion. The case-side fixing structure engages with the device-side fixing structure in a state where the case is attached to the case storage portion and a force is applied to the case toward the −Z direction. Then, the movement of the case in the −Y direction may be restricted. The liquid introduction portion may be located at the end portion of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side. The device-side electrical connection portion may be located at the end portion of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side. The first positioning portion and the second positioning portion extend from the end portion of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side toward the −Y direction side, and each other in the X direction with the liquid introduction portion interposed therebetween. It may be provided at a separated position. The liquid container may be configured to be removable from the case of the liquid injection device. The liquid accommodating body may include an accommodating portion and a connecting member. The accommodating portion is flexible and may accommodate a liquid. The connecting member may be located at the end on the + Y direction side when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid injection device. The connecting member may be provided with a liquid outlet, an electrical connection portion on the housing side, a first receiving portion, a second receiving portion, and a recess. In the liquid outlet, the liquid introduction portion may be inserted in the + Y direction in the mounted state. The housing-side electrical connection may electrically contact the device-side electrical connection while receiving a force having at least the + Z-direction component from the device-side electrical connection in the mounted state. The first receiving unit may receive the first positioning unit in the mounted state. The second receiving portion may receive the second positioning portion in the mounted state. The recess may be recessed in the −Z direction in the mounted state, and the convex portion of the case may be accommodated. The recess and the electrical connection portion on the housing side may be formed at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps with each other when viewed in the Z direction in the posture of the mounted state. In the mounted posture, the width of the liquid container in the Z direction may be smaller than the width in the Y direction and the width in the X direction.
According to this form of the liquid container, at least a part of the force in the + Z direction received from the device-side electrical connection by the container-side electrical connection is such that the device-side fixing structure is on the case side to form the case engaged state. It is reduced by the force applied to the fixed structure in the -Z direction. Therefore, the component of the force applied to the liquid container in the Z direction is reduced, the arrangement posture of the liquid container is suppressed from deviating from the proper posture in the Z direction, and the liquid container with respect to the liquid injection device is prevented from being displaced. The connection status is improved. Further, since it is suppressed that unnecessary stress is generated at the connection portion between the liquid injection device and the liquid container due to the deterioration of the arrangement posture of the liquid container, damage / deterioration of the connection portion is suppressed. Further, according to this form of the liquid container, the width in the Z direction is smaller than the width in the other X and Y directions in the mounted posture, so that the arrangement posture of the liquid container on the case is more favorable. Stabilize. Therefore, the connection state of the liquid container to the liquid injection device is further improved.

[4] In the liquid container of the above form, the liquid outlet and the first receiving portion are provided in the X direction when the electrical connection portion on the housing side and the recess are placed in the mounted posture. It may be located in between. According to this form of the liquid container, the pair of positioning portions and the pair of receiving portions position the liquid outlet port with respect to the liquid introduction portion in the X direction, as well as the positioning of the electrical connection portion on the housing side with respect to the electrical connection portion on the device side. The accuracy is improved. Thus, electrical connection between the container-side electric connection portion connectivity and device-side electrical connection between the liquid inlet portion and the liquid outlet port is improved. In addition, the distance between the first receiving part and the second receiving part in the X direction becomes larger by the amount that the electric connection part and the recess on the accommodating body side are provided between the liquid outlet and the first receiving part. The positioning accuracy of the pair of positioning portions and the pair of receiving portions is further improved.

[6] According to the second aspect of the present invention, a liquid injection system is provided. The liquid injection system may include a liquid injection device and a liquid container. The direction parallel to the gravity direction is the Z direction, the same direction as the gravity direction in the Z direction is the + Z direction, the direction opposite to the gravity direction in the Z direction is the −Z direction, and the Z direction. The direction orthogonal to the Y direction is the Y direction, one of the Y directions is the + Y direction, the other direction of the Y direction is the −Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction. Is defined as the X direction, one of the X directions is defined as the + X direction, and the other direction of the X direction is defined as the −X direction. The liquid injection device may include a housing, a case, a device-side fixing structure, a liquid introduction section, a device-side electrical connection section, a first positioning section, and a second positioning section. A case storage portion may be provided inside the housing. The cases may be inserted into the case accommodating portion by moving along the + Y direction. The case may have a convex portion and a case-side fixed structure. The convex portion may project toward the −Z direction at the end portion on the + Y direction side. The case-side fixed structure may include an internal space of the convex portion. The device-side fixing structure engages with the case-side fixing structure in a state where the case is attached to the case storage portion and a force is applied to the case toward the −Z direction. Then, the movement of the case in the −Y direction may be restricted. The liquid introduction portion may be located at the end portion of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side. The device-side electrical connection may be located at the + Y-direction end of the case housing. The first positioning portion and the second positioning portion extend from the end portion of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side toward the −Y direction side, and each other in the X direction with the liquid introduction portion interposed therebetween. It may be provided at a separated position. The liquid container may be configured to be removable from the case. The liquid accommodating body may include an accommodating portion and a connecting member. The accommodating portion is flexible and may accommodate a liquid. The connecting member may be located at the end on the + Y direction side when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid injection device. The connecting member may be provided with a liquid outlet, an electrical connection portion on the housing side, a first receiving portion, a second receiving portion, and a recess. In the liquid outlet, the liquid introduction portion may be inserted in the + Y direction in the mounted state. The housing-side electrical connection may electrically contact the device-side electrical connection while receiving a force having at least the + Z-direction component from the device-side electrical connection in the mounted state. The first receiving unit may receive the first positioning unit in the mounted state. The second receiving portion may receive the second positioning portion in the mounted state. The recess may be recessed in the −Z direction in the mounted state, and the convex portion of the case may be accommodated. The recess and the electrical connection portion on the housing side may be formed at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps with each other when viewed in the Z direction in the posture of the mounted state. In the mounted posture, the width of the liquid container in the Z direction may be smaller than the width in the Y direction and the width in the X direction.
According to this form of the liquid injection system, in the liquid container, at least a part of the force in the + Z direction received by the electrical connection on the housing side from the electrical connection on the device side is fixed on the device side in order to form the engaged state of the case. The structure is reduced by the force applied to the case-side fixed structure in the -Z direction. Therefore, the component of the force applied to the liquid container in the Z direction is reduced, the arrangement posture of the liquid container is suppressed from deviating from the proper posture in the Z direction, and the liquid container with respect to the liquid injection device is prevented from being displaced. The connection status is improved. Further, since it is suppressed that unnecessary stress is generated at the connection portion between the liquid injection device and the liquid container due to the deterioration of the arrangement posture of the liquid container, damage / deterioration of the connection portion is suppressed. Further, according to this form of the liquid injection system, the width in the Z direction of the liquid container when in the mounted posture is smaller than the width in the other X and Y directions, so that the liquid container is on the case of the liquid container. The placement posture at is more stable. Therefore, the connection state of the liquid container to the liquid injection device is further improved.

The schematic perspective view which shows the appearance structure of the liquid injection device. The first schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of a liquid injection device. The second schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of a liquid injection device. The schematic perspective view which shows the liquid supply part extracted. The schematic perspective view which shows by pulling out the connection receiving part provided with the liquid supply part. The schematic perspective view which shows the 1st liquid container in the state which is arranged in the 1st case. A first schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the first liquid container is taken out from the first case. A second schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the first liquid container is taken out from the first case. The schematic perspective view which shows by extracting the vicinity of the connection member of the 1st case. Schematic perspective view showing the vicinity of the electrical connection portion on the housing side. The first schematic perspective view which shows the lid member of the 1st case. A second schematic perspective view showing the lid member of the first case. The schematic which shows the front wall part of the 1st case. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the lower surface side of the bottom wall part of the 1st case. The schematic perspective view which shows the 2nd liquid container in the state which is arranged in the 2nd case. A first schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the second liquid container is taken out from the second case. A second schematic exploded perspective view showing a state in which the second liquid container is taken out from the second case. The schematic view when the 2nd liquid container in the state which was arranged in the 2nd case is seen in the −Y direction. The schematic which shows the front wall part of the 2nd case. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the lower surface side of the bottom wall part of the 2nd case. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the attachment mechanism of the liquid container with respect to the connection receiving part. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the mechanism until the engagement of the engaging part with the engaged part is completed. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the mechanism at the time of releasing the engagement state between the engagement part and the engagement part. The first schematic diagram for demonstrating the method of packing a liquid container. The second schematic diagram for demonstrating the method of packing a liquid container. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the liquid container of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the liquid container of 3rd Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the liquid container of 4th Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the case of 5th Embodiment. The first schematic diagram which shows the liquid container and the case in 6th Embodiment. A second schematic showing a liquid container and a case according to a sixth embodiment. A third schematic diagram showing a liquid container and a case according to a sixth embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the 1st combination example of a liquid container and a case as a 7th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the 2nd combination example of a liquid container and a case as a 7th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the 3rd combination example of a liquid container and a case as a 7th Embodiment.

The device-side electrical connection 52 is a connector that is electrically connected to the liquid container 100. The device-side electrical connection portion 52 is located at the end of the case storage portion 60 on the + Y direction side (FIG. 3). The device-side electrical connection portion 52 has a plurality of terminal portions 52t arranged in the X direction. Each terminal portion 52t protrudes from the surface of the device-side electrical connection portion 52, and is in contact with the container-side electrical connection portion (described later) of the liquid container 100 and is electrically connected. It is desirable that each terminal portion 52t is urged in the protruding direction by an elastic member such as a leaf spring. In the present embodiment, the device-side electrical connection portion 52 is arranged at an inclination angle corresponding to the arrangement angle of the storage body-side electrical connection portion of the liquid container 100. Device-side electric connection portion 52, the normal vector of the surface, so as to have the -Y direction of the vector components, the + Z direction vector component, and are arranged facing obliquely downward direction.

A plurality of rail grooves 64 are formed on the floor surface of the case storage portion 60 ( FIG. 3 ). Each rail groove 64 is formed linearly over the entire area of the case accommodating portion 60 in the Y direction for each arrangement region LA of each liquid accommodating body 100. A rail rib (described later) provided on the lower surface of the case 61 is fitted in each rail groove 64. The rail groove 64 guides the movement of the case 61 in the Y direction inside the liquid injection device 10, and suppresses contact between adjacent cases 61 in the X direction. Further, the connection of the liquid container 100 to the connection receiving portion 50 is simplified. The configuration of the rail groove 64 and the corresponding rail rib may be different for each case 61 in order to prevent erroneous mounting. Further, a part or all of the rail groove 64 may be omitted.

A plurality of rollers 65 are installed on the floor surface of the case storage portion 60 ( FIG. 3 ). The rollers 65 are appropriately dispersed and arranged in the Y direction for each placement region LA of each liquid container 100. In the case storage unit 60, the rotation of each roller 65 reduces the movement resistance when the case 61 is moved in the Y direction, and the movement operation of the case 61 by the user is facilitated. The roller 65 may be omitted.

The central convex portion 221 has a first protruding wall portion 225 and a second protruding wall portion 226. The first protruding wall portion 225 is slightly from the second wall surface 223 on the −Y direction side along the direction in which the first wall surface 222 extends at the end portion of the second wall surface 223 on the −X direction side. It is extending. The second protruding wall portion 226 is a wall portion that functions as an engaged portion. Hereinafter, the second protruding wall portion 226 may be referred to as an engaged portion 226. The second protruding wall portion 226 slightly extends from the second wall surface 223 in the −Y direction along the direction in which the third wall surface 224 extends at the end portion of the second wall surface 223 on the + X direction side. ing.

As a result, the protrusion 54p is located at the fourth groove 215d, so that the protrusion 54p is allowed to move in the + Y direction. That is, the engagement state between the case-side fixed structure 220 and the device-side fixed structure 54 is released. The user can know that the engagement state between the case-side fixed structure 220 and the device-side fixed structure 54 has been released by the click sound generated by the collision of the protrusion 54p with the rib 216 described above. When the protrusion 54p is allowed to move in the + Y direction, the liquid container 100 and the case 61 automatically move in the −Y direction due to the force applied in the + Y direction by the base end member 57 (FIG. 19). .. After the base end member 57 is separated from the connection receiving portion 50, the user can take out the liquid container 100 by pulling out the case 61. As can be seen from the above description, the groove portion 215 constitutes a loop-shaped guide path for guiding the protrusion 54p. The entrance part and the exit part of the guide route are common. The guide path is composed of a locking portion 226 for locking the protrusion 54p provided on the way, an inlet side guide path, and an exit side guide path. The entrance side guide path is a path portion from the above-mentioned entrance portion to the locking portion 226. The exit side guide path is a path portion from the locking portion 226 to the above-mentioned exit portion.

The liquid container 100C of the third embodiment is provided with a protective wall portion 136 projecting in the −Y direction only in the region above the liquid outlet 131. The protective wall portion 136 protrudes most in the −Y direction in the liquid container 100. A slit 136s extending in the Y direction is formed at the center of the protective wall portion 136 in the X direction. The slit 136s may be omitted. Even in the liquid container 100 C of the third embodiment, the protective property of the liquid outlet 131 is enhanced by the protective wall portion 136.

At the outer peripheral end of the opening / closing lid portion 235, a claw portion 237 that can be engaged with the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 is provided. The lid member 203 may be omitted, and the upper part of the accommodating portion 110a may be covered only by the opening / closing lid portion 235. Further, the hinge portion 236 and the claw portion 237 of the opening / closing lid portion 235 may be omitted. The opening / closing lid portion 235 may be applied to the second case 61b described in the first embodiment. According to the case 61E of the fifth embodiment, various effects described in the first embodiment can be exhibited in addition to the above.

Claims (11)

The direction parallel to the gravity direction is the Z direction, the same direction as the gravity direction in the Z direction is the + Z direction, the direction opposite to the gravity direction in the Z direction is the −Z direction, and the Z direction. The direction orthogonal to the Y direction is the Y direction, one of the Y directions is the + Y direction, the other direction of the Y direction is the −Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction. Is the X direction, one of the X directions is the + X direction, and the other direction of the X direction is the −X direction.
A housing with a case compartment inside and
A case inserted into the case storage portion by moving along the + Y direction, the hollow convex portion protruding in the −Z direction side at the end portion on the + Y direction side, and the convex portion. A case having a case-side fixed structure including an internal space, and a case
In the case storage state in which the case is attached to the case storage portion, the case is engaged with the case-side fixing structure in a state where a force toward the −Z direction is applied to the case, and the case is described. A fixed structure on the device side that regulates movement in the -Y direction,
The liquid introduction portion located at the end of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side, and the liquid introduction portion.
The device-side electrical connection located at the end of the case storage on the + Y direction side,
A first positioning portion extending from the + Y direction end of the case storage portion toward the −Y direction side, and provided at positions separated from each other in the X direction with the liquid introduction portion interposed therebetween. The second positioning part and
A liquid container that can be attached to and detached from the case of the liquid injection device.
A flexible and liquid accommodating compartment,
When the liquid container is mounted on the liquid injection device, the connecting member located at the end on the + Y direction side and the connecting member.
Equipped with
The connecting member
A liquid outlet into which the liquid introduction portion is inserted in the + Y direction in the mounted state, and
In the mounted state, the electrical connection portion on the housing side that electrically contacts the electrical connection portion on the device side while receiving a force having at least the component in the + Z direction from the electrical connection portion on the device side.
A first receiving unit that receives the first positioning unit in the mounted state,
A second receiving unit that receives the second positioning unit in the mounted state,
A recess that is recessed in the −Z direction in the mounted state and accommodates the convex portion of the case, and a concave portion that accommodates the convex portion.
Is provided,
The recess and the electrical connection portion on the housing side are formed at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps with each other when viewed in the Z direction in the posture of the mounted state.
A liquid container in which the width of the liquid container in the Z direction is smaller than the width in the Y direction and the width in the X direction in the mounted posture. The liquid container according to claim 1.
The housing-side electrical connection has a contact surface that contacts the device-side electrical connection in the mounted state.
The normal vector of the contact surface is a liquid container having a vector component in the −Z direction and a vector component in the + Y direction when the liquid container is placed in the mounted posture. The liquid container according to claim 1 or 2.
When the first receiving portion is placed in the mounted posture, the first receiving portion is located on the −X direction side with respect to the liquid outlet, and the second receiving portion is + X with respect to the liquid outlet. A liquid container located on the directional side. The liquid container according to claim 3.
A liquid container in which the electrical connection portion on the housing side and the recess are located between the liquid outlet and the first receiving portion in the X direction when the posture is in the mounted state. The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The first receiving portion has a first opening through which the first positioning portion is inserted.
The second receiving portion has a second opening through which the second positioning portion is inserted.
A liquid container in which the opening width of the second opening in the X direction is larger than the opening width of the first opening in the X direction in the mounted posture. A liquid injection system comprising a liquid injection device and a liquid container.
The direction parallel to the gravity direction is the Z direction, the same direction as the gravity direction in the Z direction is the + Z direction, the direction opposite to the gravity direction in the Z direction is the −Z direction, and the Z direction. The direction orthogonal to the Y direction is the Y direction, one of the Y directions is the + Y direction, the other direction of the Y direction is the −Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction. Is the X direction, one of the X directions is the + X direction, and the other direction of the X direction is the −X direction.
The liquid injection device is
A housing with a case compartment inside and
A case inserted into the case storage portion by moving along the + Y direction, the hollow convex portion protruding in the −Z direction side at the end portion on the + Y direction side, and the convex portion. A case having a case-side fixed structure including an internal space, and a case
In the case storage state in which the case is attached to the case storage portion, the case is engaged with the case-side fixing structure in a state where a force toward the −Z direction is applied to the case, and the case is described. A fixed structure on the device side that regulates movement in the -Y direction,
The liquid introduction portion located at the end of the case storage portion on the + Y direction side, and the liquid introduction portion.
The device-side electrical connection located at the end of the case storage on the + Y direction side,
A first positioning portion extending from the + Y direction end of the case storage portion toward the −Y direction side, and provided at positions separated from each other in the X direction with the liquid introduction portion interposed therebetween. The second positioning part and
Equipped with
The liquid container is configured to be removable from the case of the liquid injection device.
The liquid container is
A flexible and liquid accommodating compartment,
When the liquid container is mounted on the liquid injection device, the connecting member located at the end on the + Y direction side and the connecting member.
Equipped with
The connecting member
A liquid outlet into which the liquid introduction portion is inserted in the + Y direction in the mounted state, and
In the mounted state, the electrical connection portion on the housing side that electrically contacts the electrical connection portion on the device side while receiving a force having at least the component in the + Z direction from the electrical connection portion on the device side.
A first receiving unit that receives the first positioning unit in the mounted state,
A second receiving unit that receives the second positioning unit in the mounted state,
A recess that is recessed in the −Z direction in the mounted state and accommodates the convex portion of the case, and a concave portion that accommodates the convex portion.
Is provided,
The recess and the electrical connection portion on the housing side are formed at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps with each other when viewed in the Z direction in the posture of the mounted state.
A liquid injection system in which the width of the liquid container in the Z direction is smaller than the width in the Y direction and the width in the X direction in the mounted posture. The liquid injection system according to claim 6.
The housing-side electrical connection has a contact surface that contacts the device-side electrical connection in the mounted state.
The normal vector of the contact surface is a liquid injection system having the vector component in the −Z direction and the vector component in the + Y direction when the liquid container is placed in the mounted posture. The liquid injection system according to claim 6 or 7.
When the liquid container is placed in the mounted position, the first receiving portion is located on the −X direction side with respect to the liquid outlet, and the second receiving portion is the liquid outlet. A liquid injection system located on the + X direction side with respect to the above. The liquid injection system according to claim 8.
A liquid injection system in which the housing-side electrical connection portion and the recess are located between the liquid outlet and the first receiving portion in the X direction when the posture is in the mounted state. The liquid injection system according to any one of claims 6 to 9.
The first receiving portion has a first opening through which the first positioning portion is inserted.
The second receiving portion has a second opening through which the second positioning portion is inserted.
A liquid injection system in which the opening width of the second opening in the X direction is larger than the opening width of the first opening in the X direction in the posture of the liquid container in the mounted state. The liquid injection system according to any one of claims 6 to 10.
When the device-side fixed structure and the case-side fixed structure are in an engaged state in which they are engaged with each other, the case is pushed in the + Y direction to release the engaged state, and the case is described. A liquid injection system configured to allow movement in the −Y direction.

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