JP6332064B2 - Liquid supply device and liquid consumption system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology of a liquid container that can be detachably attached to a liquid consuming device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for supplying ink in a liquid storage unit to a liquid consumption device by storing the liquid storage unit in a drawer type cartridge case and mounting the liquid storage unit on the liquid consumption device is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

International Publication Number WO2004 / 037541

  According to the above prior art, when the liquid storage unit is mounted on the liquid consuming device, the liquid storage unit needs to be stored in the cartridge case. At this time, the user needs to have a flexible liquid storage section, which is inconvenient to handle, and there is a problem that it is difficult to attach the liquid storage section to the liquid consuming device. Further, when the liquid storage portion is provided, the liquid storage portion may be damaged when an external force is directly applied to the liquid storage portion. There is a problem that the liquid inside leaks out due to the damage of the liquid container.

  Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a liquid container having improved handling when mounted on a liquid consuming device. In addition, a second object of the present invention is to provide a liquid container that reduces the possibility that a user directly touches the liquid container. A third object of the present invention is to provide a liquid container that can be easily attached to a liquid consuming apparatus. In the prior art, cost reduction, resource saving, ease of manufacture, improvement in usability, and the like are desired.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms.
[Form 1]
A liquid supply device for supplying a liquid to a liquid consumption device,
A cover member;
A detachable unit disposed inside the cover member;
A liquid container detachably attachable to the detachable unit,
A liquid storage portion that is configured of a member having at least a flexibility and can store a liquid;
An operation member located at one end of the liquid storage portion and having a gripping surface that can be gripped;
A liquid container having a liquid supply port at one end, and a liquid container,
The operation member is provided such that the gripping surface is offset in the axial direction of the liquid supply unit with respect to the liquid supply port.
The operation member further includes a container-side electrical connection portion connectable to a device-side electrical connection portion provided in the liquid consuming device,
The container-side electric connection portion is provided so as to offset with respect to the gripping surface in the axial direction of the liquid supply portion,
The liquid supply device is provided with the liquid supply unit protruding outward from the operation member in the axial direction .
According to this embodiment, the gripping surface is offset in the axial direction with respect to the liquid supply port. Thereby, the user has a gripping surface of the operation member, and when the liquid container is mounted on the detachable unit, the liquid supply port is visible without being hidden by the operation member. Therefore, it is easy to attach the liquid container to the detachable unit. Further, if the operation member is held, it is not necessary to touch the liquid storage part, so that the possibility that the liquid storage part is damaged and the liquid leaks can be reduced. Further, according to this embodiment, when the user has the gripping surface of the operation member and attaches the liquid container to the detachable unit, the container-side electrical connection portion can be visually recognized. Therefore, it is easy to attach the liquid container to the detachable unit. According to this aspect, since the liquid supply unit protrudes outward from the operation member in the axial direction, the liquid supply unit can be visually recognized when the user has a gripping surface and attaches the liquid container to the liquid consumption device. It is. Accordingly, since the user can easily recognize the mounting direction of the liquid container, the mounting of the liquid container on the liquid consuming device is further facilitated.
[Form 2]
A liquid supply device for supplying a liquid to a liquid consumption device,
A cover member;
A detachable unit disposed inside the cover member;
A liquid container detachably attachable to the detachable unit,
A liquid storage portion that is configured of a member having at least a flexibility and can store a liquid;
An operation member located at one end of the liquid storage portion and having a gripping surface that can be gripped;
A liquid container having a liquid supply port at one end, and a liquid container,
The operation member is provided such that the gripping surface is offset in the axial direction of the liquid supply unit with respect to the liquid supply port.
The operation member further includes a container-side electrical connection portion connectable to a device-side electrical connection portion provided in the liquid consuming device,
The container-side electrical connection portion is provided so as to be offset in the axial direction of the liquid supply portion with respect to the gripping surface,
The container-side electrical connecting portion is provided as a liquid supply device that protrudes from the operation member in a direction substantially parallel to the protruding direction of the liquid supply portion.
According to this embodiment, the gripping surface is offset in the axial direction with respect to the liquid supply port. Thereby, the user has a gripping surface of the operation member, and when the liquid container is mounted on the detachable unit, the liquid supply port is visible without being hidden by the operation member. Therefore, it is easy to attach the liquid container to the detachable unit. Further, if the operation member is held, it is not necessary to touch the liquid storage part, so that the possibility that the liquid storage part is damaged and the liquid leaks can be reduced. Further, according to this embodiment, when the user has the gripping surface of the operation member and attaches the liquid container to the detachable unit, the container-side electrical connection portion can be visually recognized. Therefore, it is easy to attach the liquid container to the detachable unit. Further, according to this embodiment, the container-side electrical connection portion and the liquid supply portion protrude in a substantially parallel direction, so that the container-side electrical connection portion and the liquid are mounted when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid consuming device. The user can easily recognize the supply unit at the same time. Thereby, the connection of the liquid supply unit to the liquid consuming device and the electrical connection between the container-side electrical connecting unit and the device-side electrical connecting unit of the liquid consuming device can be easily performed.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid container that can be detachably attached to a liquid consuming device is provided. This liquid container is constituted by a member having at least a part of flexibility, a liquid storage part that can store liquid, and an operation member that is positioned at one end of the liquid storage part and has a gripping surface that can be gripped. And a liquid supply part having a liquid supply port at one end, and the operation member is provided such that the grip surface is offset in the axial direction of the liquid supply part with respect to the liquid supply port. According to the liquid container of this form, the gripping surface is offset in the axial direction with respect to the liquid supply port. As a result, the user has a gripping surface of the operation member and can visually recognize the liquid supply port without being hidden by the operation member when the liquid container is attached to the liquid consuming apparatus. Therefore, it is easy to attach the liquid container to the liquid consuming device. Further, if the operation member is held, it is not necessary to touch the liquid storage part, so that the possibility that the liquid storage part is damaged and the liquid leaks can be reduced.

(2) In the liquid container according to the above aspect, the liquid supply unit may be provided to protrude outward from the operation member in the axial direction. According to the liquid container of this aspect, since the liquid supply part protrudes outward from the operation member in the axial direction, when the user has a gripping surface and attaches the liquid container to the liquid consumption device, the liquid supply The part is visible. Accordingly, since the user can easily recognize the mounting direction of the liquid container, the mounting of the liquid container on the liquid consuming device is further facilitated.

(3) The liquid container of the above aspect, further comprising a positioning unit that positions the liquid container relative to the liquid consuming device when the liquid container is attached to the liquid consuming device. Also good. According to this form of the liquid container, the liquid container is positioned by the positioning portion, so that the liquid container can be mounted on the liquid consuming device in an appropriate state (correct mounting state).

(4) The liquid container according to the above aspect, wherein the operation member further includes a container-side electrical connection that can be connected to a device-side electrical connection provided in the liquid consuming device, and the container-side electrical connection The part may be provided so as to be offset in the axial direction of the liquid supply part with respect to the gripping surface. According to the liquid container of this form, when the user has the gripping surface of the operation member and attaches the liquid container to the liquid consuming device, the container-side electrical connection portion can be visually recognized. Therefore, it is easy to attach the liquid container to the liquid consuming device.

(5) In the liquid container according to the above aspect, the container-side electrical connection portion may be provided so as to protrude from the operation member in a direction substantially parallel to a protrusion direction of the liquid supply portion. According to the liquid container in this form, the container-side electrical connection portion and the liquid supply portion protrude in a substantially parallel direction, so that the container-side electrical connection is performed when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid consuming device. It becomes easy for a user to recognize a part and a liquid supply part simultaneously. Thereby, the connection of the liquid supply unit to the liquid consuming device and the electrical connection between the container-side electrical connecting unit and the device-side electrical connecting unit of the liquid consuming device can be easily performed.

(6) In the liquid container according to the above aspect, the container-side electrical connection portion may be provided side by side with the liquid supply portion in a direction substantially parallel to the gripping surface. According to the liquid container of this embodiment, the electrical connection between the container-side electrical connection portion and the device-side electrical connection portion and the connection of the liquid supply portion to the liquid consuming device can be more easily performed.

  A plurality of constituent elements of each aspect of the present invention described above are not indispensable, and some or all of the effects described in the present specification are to be solved to solve part or all of the above-described problems. In order to achieve the above, it is possible to appropriately change, delete, replace with another new component, and partially delete the limited contents of some of the plurality of components. In order to solve part or all of the above-described problems or to achieve part or all of the effects described in this specification, technical features included in one embodiment of the present invention described above. A part or all of the technical features included in the other aspects of the present invention described above may be combined to form an independent form of the present invention.

  For example, one embodiment of the present invention can be realized as an apparatus including one or more elements among a plurality of elements of a liquid storage section, an operation member, and a liquid supply section. That is, this apparatus may or may not have the liquid storage portion. Further, this apparatus may or may not have an operation member. Moreover, this apparatus may have the liquid supply part, and does not need to have it. According to such a form, it is possible to solve at least one of various problems such as downsizing, cost reduction, resource saving, manufacturing ease, and usability improvement of the apparatus. In addition, all or part of the technical features of each form of the liquid container described above can be applied to this apparatus. Further, “substantially parallel” includes not only a completely parallel state but also a substantially parallel state due to some error or some deviation. That is, the term “substantially parallel” includes a state that is not completely parallel within a range where the effects described in the present specification are exhibited. Further, in the present specification, the “surface” includes a flat surface, a surface with some unevenness, and a surface slightly bent.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms. For example, in addition to a liquid container, a liquid container manufacturing method, a liquid container including a liquid container and a liquid consuming device, etc. It can be realized in a manner.

It is a 1st perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid consumption system. It is a 2nd perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid consumption system. It is a 1st figure for demonstrating a liquid supply apparatus. It is a 2nd figure for demonstrating a liquid supply apparatus. It is a 1st perspective view for demonstrating a detachable unit. It is a 2nd perspective view for demonstrating a detachable unit. It is a 1st perspective view of a liquid container. It is a 2nd perspective view of a liquid container. It is a 1st perspective view which shows a part of liquid container. It is a 2nd perspective view which shows a part of liquid container. It is a 3rd perspective view which shows a part of liquid container. It is a 4th perspective view which shows a part of liquid container. It is a front view of a part of liquid container. It is a rear view of a part of liquid container. It is a top view of a part of a liquid container. It is a right view of a part of liquid container. It is F13-F13 sectional drawing of FIG. It is a front view of a circuit board. It is arrow F17B of a circuit board. It is a figure when a liquid container is set to the detachable unit. It is F18-F18 partial sectional drawing of FIG. It is a figure when the liquid container is attached to the detachable unit. It is F20-F20 partial sectional drawing of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an electrical connection body.

A. Embodiment:
A-1. Liquid consumption system configuration:
FIG. 1 is a first perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid consumption system 1000. FIG. 2 is a second perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid consumption system 1000. FIG. 3 is a first diagram for explaining the liquid supply apparatus 20. FIG. 4 is a second diagram for explaining the liquid supply apparatus 20. 3 and 4 show a state where a liquid container described later is removed. 1-4, XYZ axes orthogonal to each other are drawn.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid consumption system 1000 includes a printer 10 as a liquid consumption device and two liquid supply devices 20. In the usage state of the liquid consumption system 1000, the printer 10 is installed on a horizontal surface defined by the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. That is, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction (vertical direction). Further, the −Z axis direction is a vertically downward direction, and the + Z axis direction is a vertically upward direction. The liquid supply device 20 supplies ink as a liquid to the printer 10. The liquid container 50 included in the liquid supply apparatus 20 can be detachably connected (attached) to the printer 10.

  The printer 10 is an inkjet printer. The printer 10 includes a recording mechanism 11, a paper feed tray 16, and a discharge tray 17. A plurality of paper feed trays 16 are provided at different height positions in the vertical direction. The paper feed tray 16 is provided on the first surface (front surface) 102 of the printer 10. A recording medium (for example, paper) on which an image such as a character is printed (recorded) by the printer 10 is accommodated in the paper feed tray 16.

  The recording mechanism 11 includes a recording head (not shown) that ejects ink. The recording head communicates with the liquid supply device 20 through a circulation pipe such as a tube. The recording head performs recording (printing) by ejecting ink onto a recording medium using the ink supplied from the liquid supply device 20. The recorded recording medium is discharged to the discharge tray 17.

  The two liquid supply devices 20 include a device second surface (also referred to as a device first side surface or a device first side wall) 104 and a device first surface intersecting with a device first surface (also referred to as a device front surface or a device front wall) 102 of the printer 10. It is provided on three surfaces (also referred to as device second side surface or device second side wall) 106. The first device surface 102 to the third device surface 106 are surfaces that are substantially perpendicular to the installation surface when the printer 10 is in use. The device second surface 104 and the device third surface 106 face each other. Here, the liquid supply device 20 provided on the device second surface 104 is also referred to as a first liquid supply device 20A, and the liquid supply device 20 provided on the device third surface 106 is also referred to as a second liquid supply device 20B. . In addition, when using 1st and 2nd liquid supply apparatus 20A, 20B without distinguishing, it is only called the liquid supply apparatus 20. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first liquid supply device 20A includes one cover member 22, one liquid container 50, and one detachable unit 30 (FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 2, the second liquid supply device 20 </ b> B includes one cover member 22, three liquid containers 50, and three attachment / detachment units 30 (FIG. 4) corresponding to the liquid containers 50. . Here, when the two cover members 22 are distinguished from each other, reference numerals “22A” and “22B” are used. When the four liquid containers 50 are distinguished from each other, the symbols “50K”, “50C”, “50M”, and “50Y” are used. In addition, when the four attachment / detachment units 30 are used separately, reference numerals “30K”, “30C”, “30M”, and “30Y” are used. The numbers of the cover member 22, the liquid container 50, and the detachable unit 30 are not limited to the above. For example, the number of liquid containers 50 may be three or less, and may be five or more. Further, the detachable units 30 may be provided corresponding to the number of liquid containers 50. Further, the number of cover members 22 may be one, or three or more.

  The four liquid containers 50 contain (fill) different types of ink. In this embodiment, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) inks are stored in different liquid containers 50. The liquid container 50K has a liquid container that contains black ink, the liquid container 50C has a liquid container that contains cyan ink, and the liquid container 50M has a liquid container that contains magenta ink. The liquid container 50Y has a liquid container that contains yellow ink. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the liquid container 50 is housed in the housing space portion 26 partitioned by the cover member 22. Specifically, the liquid container 50K is stored in the storage space 26A (FIG. 3), and the liquid containers 50C, 50M, and 50Y are stored in the storage space 26B (FIG. 4).

  The detachable unit 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 detachably mounts the liquid container 50. The detachable unit 30K is disposed inside the cover member 22A, and the detachable units 30C, 30M, and 30Y are disposed inside the cover member 22B. As shown in FIG. 3, the detachable unit 30 </ b> K is provided on the device second surface 104 of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the detachable units 30 </ b> C, 30 </ b> M, and 30 </ b> Y are provided on the device third surface 106 of the printer 10. When the liquid container 50 is attached to the detachable unit 30, the ink stored in the liquid container 50 is supplied to the recording head of the printer 10 by a supply mechanism (not shown) having a pump function included in the printer 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover member 22 is configured to be openable and closable by rotating the other end 24 on the vertically upper side with the one end 23 on the vertically lower side as a fulcrum. After the ink stored in the liquid container 50 is consumed, the user opens the cover member 22 and removes the consumed liquid container 50 from the detachable unit 30. Then, the user closes the cover member 22 after attaching a new liquid container 50 to the detachable unit 30.

A-2. Configuration of the detachable unit 30:
FIG. 5 is a first perspective view for explaining the detachable unit 30. FIG. 6 is a second perspective view for explaining the detachable unit 30. FIG. 5 shows a first state (set state) in which the movable member 40 protrudes outward with respect to the fixed member 35. FIG. 6 shows a second state (mounted state) in which the movable member 40 is accommodated in the fixed member 35. 5 and 6, the configuration of the detachable unit 30C will be described as an example, but the other detachable units 30K, 30M, and 30Y have the same configuration as the detachable unit 30C. As shown in FIG. 5, the detachable unit 30 includes a fixed member 35 and a movable member 40.

The liquid container 50 is attached to the detachable unit 30 by executing the following two operations. The state in which the liquid container 50 is attached to the detachable unit 30 is also referred to as “attached state (connected state)”. In the mounted state (connected state), a liquid supply part 57 of the liquid container 50 described later is connected to a liquid introducing part (liquid introducing needle) 362 of the detachable unit 30 and the circuit board 582 of the liquid container 50 is detachable. It is in a state of being electrically connected to the electrical connection part (device-side electrical connection part) 382 of the unit 30. In the mounted state, the ink stored in the liquid container 50 can be distributed to the printer 10 side.
・ First operation:
The user sets the liquid container 50 to the movable member 40 after setting the detachable unit 30 to the first state.
・ Second operation:
After the first operation, the user pushes the movable member 40 toward the fixed member 35 via the liquid container 50 to place the detachable unit 30 in the second state.

  In the second state of the detachable unit 30, the movable member 40 is restricted from moving toward the + K1 axial direction side with respect to the fixed member 35 by the lock mechanism. In the second state, the lock by the lock mechanism is released by pressing the movable member 40 inward (−K1 axis direction) against the fixed member 35. Thereby, the movable member 40 is moved so as to protrude outward (+ Z-axis direction) with respect to the fixed member 35, and the state of the detachable unit 30 can be switched from the first state to the second state.

  The fixing member 35 is fixed to the surfaces 104 and 106 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of the printer 10 by a plurality of screws 302 that are fixing portions. Specifically, the detachable unit 30K (FIG. 3) is fixed to the second surface 104 by a plurality of screws 302, and the detachable units 30C, 30M, and 30Y (FIG. 4) are fixed to the third surface 106 by a plurality of screws 302. Has been.

  The fixing member 35 includes a liquid introduction mechanism 36 and a contact mechanism 38. The liquid introduction mechanism 36 has a liquid introduction part 362. By connecting a liquid supply unit (described later) included in the liquid container 50 to the liquid introduction unit 362, ink stored in the liquid container 50 flows. The liquid introduction unit 362 communicates with the recording head of the printer 10.

  The liquid introduction part 362 has a needle shape through which ink can flow. The liquid introduction part 362 extends along the central axis CL. The direction along the central axis CL (the direction in which the liquid introduction part 362 extends) is defined as the K1 axis direction. The K1 axis direction is orthogonal to the Z axis direction. A direction orthogonal to the K1 axis direction and the Z axis direction is defined as a K2 axis direction. The plane defined by the K1 axis direction and the K2 axis direction is parallel to the plane defined by the X axis direction and the Y axis direction shown in FIG. Of the K1 axis directions, the outward direction of the printer 10 is the + K1 axis direction, and the inward direction of the printer 10 is the −K1 axis direction.

  The liquid introduction mechanism 36 and the contact mechanism 38 are arranged side by side along the K2 axis direction. Of the K2 axis directions, the direction from the liquid introduction mechanism 36 toward the contact mechanism 38 is the + K2 axis direction, and the direction from the contact mechanism 38 toward the liquid introduction mechanism 36 is the −K2 axis direction. In the detachable unit 30, the Z-axis direction is also called “height direction”, the K1 axis direction is also called “width direction”, and the K2 axis direction is also called “depth direction”.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the contact mechanism 38 includes an electrical connection portion (device-side electrical connection portion) 382 having a plurality (nine in this embodiment) of device-side terminals 381, and a plurality (in this embodiment). 2) apparatus side substrate positioning portions 384 and 385. In the mounted state of the liquid container 50, the device-side terminal 381 of the electrical connection portion 382 is in contact (electrically connected) with the circuit board of the liquid container 50. Accordingly, various types of information (for example, ink color and date of manufacture of the liquid container 50) can be communicated between the circuit board of the liquid container 50 and the printer 10. The device-side terminal 381 is formed by a metal leaf spring that can be elastically deformed. The device-side substrate positioning portions 384 and 385 are disposed on both sides of the electrical connection portion 382 in the K2 axis direction (the direction in which the liquid introduction mechanism 36 and the contact mechanism 38 are arranged). The apparatus-side substrate positioning units 384 and 385 perform final positioning of the circuit board of the liquid container 50 with respect to the electrical connection unit 382 when the liquid container 50 is mounted on the detachable unit 30. The device side substrate positioning portions 384 and 385 are members extending along the K1 axis direction.

  The movable member 40 is configured to be movable along the K1 axis direction with respect to the fixed member 35. The movable member 40 includes a base portion 41, a supply portion support portion 42, and a substrate support portion 48. The supply unit support unit 42 and the substrate support unit 48 are each connected to the base unit 41. The supply unit support unit 42 and the substrate support unit 48 are members that extend from the base unit 41 to the + Z-axis direction side (upper side).

  The supply unit support unit 42 is a member for determining the position of the liquid container 50 (specifically, the liquid supply unit) with respect to the liquid introduction unit 362. When the detachable unit 30 is viewed along the K1 axis direction, the supply unit support unit 42 is provided at a position overlapping the liquid introduction unit 362. The supply part support part 42 is provided so as to form a concave shape toward the −Z axis direction. The supply portion support portion 42 has grooves 407 formed on both sides in the K2 axis direction. When a positioning portion (described later) of the liquid container 50 enters the groove 407, the movement of the liquid supply unit included in the liquid container 50 is restricted. That is, the movement of the liquid supply unit included in the liquid container 50 is regulated by a plurality of surface portions (for example, the first support surface portion 402, the second support surface portion 403, and the third support surface portion 404) that partition and form the supply portion support portion 42. Then, the liquid container 50 is positioned to some extent with respect to the detachable unit 30. A cutout portion 406 is formed in the first support surface portion 402 located on the liquid introduction portion 362 side in the supply portion support portion 42. The notch 406 has a concave shape that opens on the + Z-axis direction side. When the detachable unit 30 is viewed along the K1 axis direction, the cutout portion 406 is provided at a position overlapping the liquid introduction portion 362. In the first state in which the movable member 40 is moved most in the + K1 axis direction with respect to the fixed member 35, the notch 406 is positioned on the + K1 axis direction side with respect to the liquid introduction part 362. As shown in FIG. 6, the tip of the liquid introduction part 362 is positioned in the notch part 406 in the second state.

  The substrate support 48 is a member for determining the position of the body container 50 (specifically, the circuit board) with respect to the liquid contact mechanism 38. When the detachable unit 30 is viewed along the K1 axis direction, the substrate support portion 48 is provided at a position overlapping the contact mechanism 38. The substrate support portion 48 is provided so as to form a concave shape toward the −Z axis direction. The movement of the circuit board of the liquid container 50 is regulated by a plurality of surface portions (for example, the first substrate support surface portion 482) that partition and form the substrate support portion 48.

A-3. Configuration of the liquid container 50:
FIG. 7 is a first perspective view of the liquid container 50. FIG. 8 is a second perspective view of the liquid container 50. 7 and 8 show the Z axis, the K1 axis, and the K2 axis when the liquid container 50 is mounted on the detachable unit 30 (mounted state). 7 and 8 show the liquid container 50 in a state (unused state) before being filled with ink as a liquid and being attached to the detachable unit 30. FIG. In addition, the drawings for explaining the liquid container 50 to be described later also show the Z axis, the K1 axis, and the K2 axis that are orthogonal to each other as necessary. 7 and the subsequent drawings, the configuration of the liquid container 50C will be described as an example. However, the liquid containers 50K, 50M, and 50Y have the same configuration as the liquid container 50C.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid container 50 includes a liquid container 52 and an operation member (handle part) 53. The operation member 53 is attached to the liquid storage unit 52. The operation member 53 includes a grip part (support part) 54, a liquid supply unit 55, a substrate unit (container-side electrical connection part) 58, and a pressing part 545 (FIG. 8). The grip part 54 is a part for the user to support (hold) the liquid container 50. The liquid supply unit 55 is a part corresponding to the liquid introduction part 362 and the supply part support part 42 (FIG. 6) included in the detachable unit 30. The board unit 58 is a part corresponding to the electrical connection part 382 and the board support part 48 (FIG. 6) provided in the detachable unit 30. The grip 54 of the operation member 53 is formed in a “B” shape in the present embodiment, but may be formed in a “C” shape or a “T” shape.

  The liquid storage unit 52 can store ink as liquid. The liquid container 52 is attached to the operation member 53 with the bag surface (outer surface) exposed. That is, the liquid storage unit 52 is configured to be visible from the outside without being stored in a case or the like. The volume of the liquid storage unit 52 decreases as the stored ink decreases.

  The liquid storage unit 52 includes a first sheet 521, a second sheet 522, and a third sheet 523. The first to third sheets 521 to 523 define a space portion for containing ink inside. Here, in the liquid storage unit 52, the side on which the operation member 53 is attached is defined as one end (upper end) 501 side, and the side facing the one end 501 is defined as the other end (bottom end) 502 side. Further, in the liquid storage portion 52, one end side (+ K2 axial direction side) is the first side end 503 side, and the other end side (−K2 axial direction side) is the second side end 504 side.

  In the mounted state of the liquid container 50, the first sheet 521 and the second sheet 522 constitute the side surface of the liquid container 52. In addition, the third sheet 523 constitutes the bottom surface of the liquid container 52 in the mounted state of the liquid container 50. The first sheet 521 and the second sheet 522 are disposed to face each other. The first sheet 521 and the second sheet 522 are partially welded to the peripheral area 51W. Specifically, in the peripheral region 51W, the one end portion 501 side portion, the first side end portion 503 side portion, and the second side end portion 504 side portion are welded. In order to facilitate understanding, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the portions where the first and second sheets 521 and 522 are welded are cross-hatched. Further, an operation member 53 is welded to one end 501 of the liquid storage unit 52 (specifically, one end of the first and second sheets 521 and 522). That is, the operation member 53 is a member located at one end 501 of the liquid storage unit 52. For easy understanding, in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the welded portion between the operation member 53 and the first and second sheets 521 and 522 is indicated by solid single hatching.

  In the third sheet 523, the peripheral area 51Y of the third sheet 523 and a part of the peripheral area 51W of the first sheet 521 and the second sheet 522 are welded. A portion where the third sheet 523 is welded to the first and second sheets 521 and 522 is provided with a single-dot chain single hatching. Thus, the liquid storage part 52 of this embodiment is a type (so-called pouch type having a bottom surface) in which three sheets 521, 522, and 523 are bonded together by welding or the like.

  Each of the first to third sheets 521 to 523 is a flexible member. As the material (material) of the first to third sheets 521 to 523, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polyethylene, or the like is used. Moreover, you may form the 1st-3rd sheets 521-523 using the laminated structure which laminated | stacked two or more films comprised with these materials. In such a laminated structure, for example, the outer layer may be formed of PET or nylon excellent in impact resistance, and the inner layer may be formed of polyethylene excellent in ink resistance. Further, a film having a layer on which aluminum or the like is vapor-deposited may be used as one constituent member of the laminated structure. Thereby, since gas barrier property can be improved, the density | concentration change of the ink accommodated in the liquid accommodating part 52 can be suppressed, for example. Thus, the material of the liquid storage part 52 can be set arbitrarily.

  Further, the shape and size of the liquid storage portion 52 can be arbitrarily set. For example, the liquid container 52K that stores black ink may have a larger volume (size) than the liquid container 52C that stores ink of other colors (for example, cyan). Further, for example, the liquid storage unit 52 is a type in which the first to third sheets 521 to 523 are bonded by welding or the like in this embodiment, but the third sheet 523 is omitted, and the first and second sheets are omitted. A type in which the sheets 521 and 523 are bonded by welding or the like (so-called pillow type) may be used. Here, as described above, the liquid container 52 and the operation member 53 are separate members. Therefore, the operation member 53 can easily change the type (shape, size, and material) of the liquid storage portion 52 while using the same components. That is, since the shape, size, and material of the liquid storage portion 52 can be set according to the characteristics and amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 52, the degree of freedom in design can be improved.

  The liquid container 50 further includes a flow path member 70 for circulating the ink stored in the liquid storage part 52 to the liquid supply unit 55 (a liquid supply part described later in detail). In the present embodiment, the flow path member 70 is a tube. The flow path member 70 is disposed inside the liquid storage unit 52.

  FIG. 9 is a first perspective view showing a part of the liquid container 50. FIG. 10 is a second perspective view showing a part of the liquid container 50. FIG. 11 is a third perspective view showing a part of the liquid container 50. FIG. 12 is a fourth perspective view showing a part of the liquid container 50. FIG. 13 is a front view of a part of the liquid container 50. FIG. 14 is a rear view of a part of the liquid container 50. FIG. 15 is a top view of a part of the liquid container 50. FIG. 16 is a right side view of a part of the liquid container 50. 17A is a cross-sectional view taken along line F13-F13 in FIG. FIG. 17B is a front view of the circuit board 582. FIG. 17C is an arrow F17B of FIG. 17B. 9-17A, illustration of the liquid storage part 52 with which the liquid container 50 is provided is abbreviate | omitted.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the operation member 53 includes a grip portion 54, a first connection portion 546, a second connection portion 547, a base portion 548, and an attachment portion 549. Here, regarding the operation member 53, the Z-axis direction is also referred to as “height direction”, the K1 axis direction is also referred to as “thickness direction”, and the K2 axis direction is also referred to as “width direction”.

  The grip portion 54, the first connection portion 546, the second connection portion 547, and the base portion 548 are each in the shape of a bar. A frame-shaped member is formed by the grip portion 54, the first connection portion 546, the second connection portion 547, and the base portion 548. Thereby, the operation member 53 is formed with a substantially rectangular receiving space portion 542 for receiving a user's hand.

  The grip portion 54 is a portion where the user grips the liquid container 50. The grip portion 54 extends along the K2 axis direction. As shown in FIG. 11, the grip portion 54 has a grip surface (support surface) 541 that contacts the receiving space portion 542. The grip surface 541 is a portion that is directly supported (gripped) by the user. The gripping surface 541 is a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis direction in the mounted state.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the first connection portion 546 is a member that extends from one end portion in the K2 axis direction to the base portion 548 side (the −Z axis direction side, the liquid storage portion 52 side shown in FIG. 7). It is. The second connection portion 547 is a member that extends from the other end portion in the K2 axis direction of the grip portion 54 to the base portion 548 side (the −Z axis direction side, the liquid storage portion 52 side illustrated in FIG. 7). The base portion 548 is a portion facing the grip portion 54 with the receiving space portion 542 interposed therebetween. The base 548 extends along the K2 axis direction. To the base 548, a positioning part 56, a circuit board holding part (contact part arranging part) 59, and a pressing part 545 (FIG. 12) described later are attached.

  The attachment portion 549 is located on the side opposite to the side where the grip portion 54 is located with the base portion 548 interposed therebetween. The attachment portion 549 is adjacent to the base portion 548. The attachment portion 549 extends along the K2 axis direction. The attachment portion 549 is a portion to which one end portion 501 (FIG. 7) of the liquid storage portion 52 is attached by welding or the like. Further, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 17A, the attachment portion 549 has a lead-out portion 550 for flowing the ink stored in the liquid storage portion 52 to the liquid supply portion 57. By connecting the flow path member 70 to the derivation unit 550, the ink flowing through the flow path member 70 flows to the liquid supply unit 57 via the derivation unit 550. For ease of understanding, in FIGS. 13 and 14, a portion of the attachment portion 549 to which the liquid storage portion 52 is attached is provided with single hatching.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the liquid supply unit 55 includes a liquid supply unit 57 and a positioning unit 56. However, the positioning unit 56 is configured separately from the liquid supply unit 57, and a slight gap is formed between the positioning unit 56 and the liquid supply unit 57. The liquid supply unit 55 is provided so as to protrude outward (−K1 axial direction) from the operation member 53.

  The liquid supply part 57 has a liquid supply port 572 that is one end and a supply connection part 573 that is the other end. The liquid supply port 572 communicates with the inside of the liquid storage unit 52 and causes the ink stored in the liquid storage unit 52 to flow out to the outside (printer 10). The liquid supply port 572 defines a plane (surface defined by the Z-axis direction and the K2-axis direction) perpendicular to the gripping surface 541. The supply connection portion 573 is connected to the operation member 53. The liquid supply unit 57 is a cylindrical member (annular member) that extends along the K1 axis direction (center axis CT direction). The liquid supply unit 57 is provided so as to protrude outward (−K1 axis direction) from the operation member 53.

  The liquid supply unit 57 includes a central axis CT. The central axis CT is parallel to the K1 axis direction. Here, in the K1 axis direction, the direction from the liquid supply port 572 toward the supply connection portion 573 is the + K1 axis direction, and the direction from the supply connection portion 573 toward the liquid supply port 572 is the −K1 axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the gripping surface 541 is arranged on the direction (+ Z axis direction) side perpendicular to the central axis CT direction (K1 axis direction) of the liquid supply unit 57. The operation member 53 including the gripping surface 541 is provided so as to be offset in the direction of the central axis CT with respect to the liquid supply port 572. In other words, when the liquid container 50 is viewed from the direction orthogonal to the gripping surface 541 and from the direction from the liquid supply unit 57 toward the gripping surface 541 (+ Z-axis direction), the liquid supply port 572 has the gripping surface 541. It is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the (operation member 53). That is, when the liquid container 50 is projected onto a surface perpendicular to the gripping surface 541, the gripping surface 541 and the liquid supply port 572 are in a positional relationship that does not overlap.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the liquid supply port 572 is blocked by the film 99 when the liquid container 50 is not used. Thereby, before the liquid container 50 is attached to the detachable unit 30 (FIG. 5), it is possible to prevent the ink from leaking from the liquid supply port 572 to the outside. The film 99 is broken by the liquid introduction part 362 (FIG. 5) when the liquid container 50 is attached to the detachable unit 30.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, a valve mechanism 551 for opening and closing a liquid flow path formed by the liquid supply unit 57 is disposed inside the liquid supply unit 57. The valve mechanism 551 includes a valve seat 552, a valve body 554, and a spring 556. From the liquid supply port 572 of the liquid supply part 57 toward the supply connection part 573, the valve seat 552, the valve body 554, and the spring 556 are accommodated in the liquid supply part 57 in this order.

  The valve seat 552 is a substantially annular member. The valve seat 552 is made of an elastic body such as rubber or elastomer, for example. The valve seat 552 is press-fitted into the liquid supply unit 57. The valve body 554 is a substantially cylindrical member. The valve body 554 closes a hole (valve hole) formed in the valve seat 552 in a state before the liquid container 50 is attached to the detachable unit 30. The spring 556 is a compression coil spring. The spring 556 biases the valve body 554 in a direction toward the valve seat 552 side. In the mounted state of the liquid container 50, the liquid introduction part 362 (FIG. 5) pushes the valve body 554 toward the supply connection part 573, so that the valve body 554 moves toward the supply connection part 573. Thereby, the valve body 554 is separated from the valve seat 552 and the valve mechanism 551 is opened. When the valve mechanism 551 is in the open state, the ink stored in the liquid storage section 52 (FIG. 7) can flow out through the flow path member 70, the internal flow path 558 of the operation member 53, and the liquid supply section 57. Become.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the liquid container 50 (liquid container) is connected to the printer 10, the positioning unit 56 positions the liquid container 50 including the liquid supply port 572 to some extent with respect to the printer 10. Do. The positioning unit 56 is provided integrally with the operation member 53. In the present embodiment, the positioning part 56 is formed integrally with the operation member 53 by being formed integrally with the operation member 53. Here, “provided integrally” means that the positioning portion 56 is provided on the operation member 53 so as to be interlocked with the movement of the operation member 53. In another embodiment, the positioning portion 56 may be integrally provided on the operation member 53 by attaching the positioning portion 56 to the operation member 53 by welding or the like. Further, the positioning portion 56 is provided in the form of surrounding the circumferential direction except the upper side of the liquid supply port 572 in the vicinity of the liquid supply port 572. However, when the operation member 53 is made of a material that is difficult to deform, the operation member 53 may be provided at a position slightly away from the liquid supply port 572. The positioning portion 56 protrudes from the operation member 53 in the −K1 axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the positioning portion 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the liquid supply port 572. As shown in FIG. 13, at least a part of the positioning unit 56 is provided on the liquid storage unit 52 (FIG. 7) side (−Z axis direction side) of the liquid supply port 572. In the present embodiment, the positioning unit 56 is disposed around the liquid supply unit 57 around the central axis CT. Specifically, the positioning unit 56 is disposed around the liquid supply unit 57 except for the grip unit 54 side. When the liquid container 50 is connected to the printer 10, the positioning unit 56 is disposed inside the supply unit support unit 42 included in the detachable unit 30 (FIG. 5). Thereby, a plurality of surface portions (for example, the first support surface portion 402, the second support surface portion 403, and the third support surface portion 404 shown in FIG. 5) and the positioning portion 56 that come into contact with each other are in contact with each other. The movement of the liquid supply part 57 is restricted, and the liquid container 50 is positioned to some extent. Thereafter, the liquid supply port 572 is connected to the liquid introduction part 362 in a state where the liquid supply port 572 is positioned by protrusions 577a to 577d (FIGS. 9 to 11) as the container-side positioning parts. The protrusions 577 a to 577 d are provided on the outer periphery of the liquid supply unit 57 around the central axis CT. The protrusions 577 a to 577 d are provided in the liquid supply unit 57 at the vertical and horizontal positions of the liquid supply port 572. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the first protrusion 577 a is disposed in a portion on the gravity upper side (+ Z axis direction side) of the liquid supply unit 57. The second protrusion 577b is disposed in a portion on the −K2 axis direction side of the liquid supply unit 57. As shown in FIG. 10, the third protrusion 577 c is arranged in the + K2 axial direction portion of the liquid supply unit 57. As shown in FIG. 11, the fourth protrusion 577 d is arranged on the portion of the liquid supply unit 57 on the gravity lower side (−Z axis direction side). Note that the reference numeral “577” is used when the first to fourth protrusions 577a to 577d are used without being distinguished from each other.

  The liquid supply unit 55 has a function of supplying the ink stored in the liquid storage unit 52 (FIG. 7) to the printer 10. Therefore, the liquid supply unit 55 can also be regarded as a “liquid supply unit”. In this case, the liquid supply unit 55 as a liquid supply unit includes a liquid supply unit 57 having a liquid supply port 572 at one end, and a positioning unit 56.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the board unit (container-side electrical connection part) 58 includes a circuit board 582 and a circuit board holding part 59. The board unit 58 is provided so as to protrude outward (−K1 axis direction) from the operation member 53. The protruding direction of the substrate unit 58 is the same as the protruding direction (−K1 axis direction) of the liquid supply unit 57. The protruding direction of the substrate unit 58 and the protruding direction of the liquid supply unit 57 do not have to be the same, and may be substantially parallel. The substrate unit 58 and the liquid supply unit 57 protrude from the operation member 53 toward the same side (−K1 axial direction side) with respect to the operation member 53.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the substrate unit 58 is provided side by side with the liquid supply unit 55 in a direction parallel to the gripping surface 541. Specifically, the substrate unit 58 and the liquid supply unit 55 are provided side by side in the K2 axis direction, which is a direction parallel to the gripping surface 541 and perpendicular to the central axis CT.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the circuit board holding unit 59 positions the circuit board 582 with respect to the printer 10 when the liquid container 50 is connected to the printer 10. The circuit board holding part 59 is provided integrally with the operation member 53. In the present embodiment, the circuit board holding part 59 is provided integrally with the operation member 53 by being formed by integral molding with the operation member 53. Here, “provided integrally” means that the circuit board holding portion 59 is provided on the operation member 53 so as to be interlocked with the movement of the operation member 53. In another embodiment, the circuit board holding portion 59 may be integrally provided on the operation member 53 by attaching the circuit board holding portion 59 to the operation member 53 by welding or the like.

  The circuit board holding part 59 has a concave shape that opens on the + Z-axis direction side (side on which the grip part 54 is located). The concave bottom 594 is inclined with respect to the gripping surface 541 (FIG. 11). By attaching the circuit board 582 to the bottom part 594, the circuit board 582 is held by being inclined to the circuit board holding part 59 as described above. At least a part (bottom part 594) of the circuit board holding part 59 is provided on the liquid storage part 52 (FIG. 7) side (−Z axis direction side) of the circuit board 582. That is, at least a part (bottom part 594) different from the contact part cp (FIG. 17B) in the substrate unit (container side electrical connection part) 58 is provided on the liquid storage part 52 side of the contact part cp.

  The circuit board holding portion 59 includes a first side wall portion 592 and a second side wall portion 593 that extend from both sides of the bottom portion 594 in the K2 axis direction to the + Z axis direction side. As shown in FIG. 10, the first side wall portion 592 has a groove portion 593t. As shown in FIG. 9, the second side wall portion 593 has a groove portion 592t. When the liquid container 50 is connected to the printer 10, the circuit board holding part 59 is first supported by the board support part 48 (FIG. 5). Thereby, the circuit board holding part 59 and the circuit board 582 are positioned to some extent with respect to the device-side terminal 381 (FIG. 5). Then, by moving the movable member 40 of the detachable unit 30 shown in FIG. 5 in the −K1 axis direction, the device-side positioning portion 385 shown in FIG. 5 enters the groove portion 593t (FIG. 9) of the circuit board holding portion 59, and 6, the apparatus side substrate positioning portion 384 (FIG. 6) enters the groove portion 592 t (FIG. 10) of the circuit board holding portion 59. As a result, the circuit board holding part 59 and the circuit board 582 are positioned with respect to the device-side terminal 381.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the circuit board 582 has a plurality of terminals 581 on the surface. In the present embodiment, nine terminals 581 are arranged corresponding to the number (nine) of device-side terminals 381. In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the terminal 581 is substantially rectangular. In addition, a storage device 583 (FIG. 17C) is disposed on the back surface of the circuit board 582. The storage device 583 stores information related to the liquid container 50 (for example, remaining ink amount and ink color). The storage device 583 and the plurality of terminals 581 are electrically connected. In the mounted state, each of the plurality of terminals 581 is electrically connected to a corresponding device-side terminal 381 (FIG. 6) of the electrical connection unit 382 included in the printer 10.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, a boss groove 584 is formed in the upper end 586 on the + Z-axis direction side of the circuit board 582, and a boss hole 585 is formed on the lower end 587 on the −Z-axis direction side of the circuit board 582. Is formed. The circuit board 582 is fixed to the bottom (arrangement part) 594 using the boss groove 584 and the boss hole 585.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 17B and 17C, the circuit board 582 includes a liquid container-side terminal group 580 provided on the front surface 582fa and a storage device 583 provided on the back surface 582fb. The front surface 582fa and the back surface 582fb are flat surfaces.

  The liquid container side terminal group 580 includes nine terminals 581A to 581I. The storage device 583 stores information about the liquid container 50 (for example, remaining ink amount, ink color) and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, each of the nine liquid container side terminals 581A to 581I is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is arranged so as to form two rows Ln1 and Ln2 at different positions in the Z-axis direction. The rows Ln1 and Ln2 are parallel to the K2 axis direction.

  At the center of each of the liquid container side terminals 581A to 581I, there is a contact part cp that contacts the corresponding device side terminal 381 (FIG. 6). The above-described columns Ln1 and Ln2 can also be considered as columns formed by a plurality of contact portions cp. Note that the reference numeral “581” is used when nine liquid container-side terminals 581A to 581I are used without being distinguished.

  As described above, the container-side electrical connection portion 58 includes the contact portion cp that can contact the device-side electrical connection portion 382. Further, the container-side electrical connection portion 58 is provided integrally with the operation member 53 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the gripping surface 541 is disposed on the direction (+ Z axis direction) side perpendicular to the central axis CT direction of the liquid supply unit 57. The substrate unit 58 as the container-side electrical connection portion is provided so as to be offset in the direction of the central axis CT with respect to the operation member 53 including the gripping surface 541. In other words, when the liquid container 50 is viewed from the direction orthogonal to the gripping surface 541 and from the direction (+ Z axis direction) from the liquid supply unit 57 toward the gripping surface 541, the substrate unit 58 has the gripping surface 541. It is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the (operation member 53). That is, when the liquid container 50 is projected onto a surface perpendicular to the gripping surface 541, the gripping surface 541 and the substrate unit 58 are in a positional relationship that does not overlap. In this case, it suffices that at least the circuit board 582 of the board unit 58 is disposed at a position where it does not overlap the gripping surface 541 (the operation member 53).

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the −K1 axis direction side of the operation member 53 is the first side 53fa, and the + K1 axis direction side of the operation member 53 opposite to the first side 53fa is the second side. 53fb. As shown in FIG. 9, the circuit board holding part 59 (board unit 58) and the positioning part 56 are provided on the first side 53fa which is the same side.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the pressing portion 545 is provided on the second side 53fb facing the positioning portion 56 and the circuit board holding portion 59 (substrate unit 58) with the operation member 53 interposed therebetween. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the positioning portion 56 and the circuit board holding portion 59 are provided on the surface of the first side 53fa of the base portion 548, whereas, as shown in FIG. The base portion 548 is provided on the surface of the second side 53fb. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, at least a part of the pressing portion 545 faces the positioning portion 56 and the circuit board holding portion 59 with the operation member 53 interposed therebetween.

  The pressing portion 545 is a portion that is pressed by the user when the liquid container 50 is connected to the printer 10. That is, the pressing portion 545 is a portion that is manually pressed. By pressing the pressing portion 545 to the −K1 axis direction side, the movable member 40 (FIG. 6) on which the liquid container 50 is set is moved to the −K1 direction side.

  The pressing portion 545 is provided so as to protrude outward (+ K1 axis direction) from the operation member 53. Accordingly, it is possible to easily distinguish the pressing portion 545 from other portions, and when connecting the liquid container 50 to the printer 10, it is possible to prompt the user to perform an operation of pressing the pressing portion 545. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when the pressing portion 545 is viewed from the direction along the K1 axis direction, a part of the outer shape of the pressing portion 545 protrudes outside the base portion 548. . Thereby, since the surface area of the press part 545 can be enlarged, the user can press the press part 545 easily.

  The operation member 53, the circuit board holding unit 59, the positioning unit 56, the liquid supply unit 57, and the pressing unit 545 may be formed of the same material, or may be formed of different materials depending on the application. As a material of the operation member 53, for example, synthetic resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and ABS resin can be used.

A-4. Mounting method of the liquid container 50 to the detachable unit 30:
FIG. 18 is a diagram when the liquid container 50 is set in the detachable unit 30. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line F18-F18 in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram when the liquid container 50 is attached to the detachable unit 30. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along F20-F20 in FIG. The state of the detachable unit 30 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is the first state as in FIG. The state of the detachable unit 30 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is the second state as in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when the liquid container 50 is mounted on the detachable unit 30, an operation for moving the liquid container 50 in the set direction (set operation or first operation) and an operation for moving it in the connection direction. Two operations (connection operation or second operation) are performed. The set direction is a direction including a vertically downward direction (−Z axis direction) component. In the present embodiment, the set direction is a vertically downward direction.

  The user sets the liquid container 50 on the movable member 40 of the detachable unit 30 with respect to the detachable unit 30 in the first state. Specifically, the user grips the grip portion 54 in a state where the operation member 53 is vertically above the liquid storage portion 52. Then, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the positioning unit 56 of the liquid container 50 is arranged in the supply unit support unit 42, and the circuit board holding unit 59 is arranged in the substrate support unit 48.

  After the liquid container 50 is set on the movable member 40, as shown by an arrow F in FIG. 19, the user pushes the pressing portion 545 to the −K axis direction side. Thereby, the liquid container 50 and the movable member 40 move in the connection direction (−K1 axis direction).

  As shown in FIG. 21, in the second state of the detachable unit 30 in which the movable member 40 is accommodated in the fixed member 35, the liquid introduction part 362 (FIG. 19) is inserted (connected) into the liquid supply part 57. Further, in the second state, the circuit board 582 and the electrical connection portion 382 are electrically connected by contact between the terminal 581 of the circuit board 582 (FIG. 13) and the device-side terminal 381 (FIG. 6) of the electrical connection portion 382. Connected.

A-5. effect:
According to the above-described embodiment, the positioning portion 56 and the container-side electrical connection portion 58 necessary for connection with the printer 10 are integrally provided on the operation member 53 (FIG. 9). Accordingly, there is no need to provide other components (for example, a case for mounting the liquid container 50) in order to connect the liquid container 50 to the printer 10. Thereby, the function for connecting the liquid container 50 to the printer 10 with a small number of parts can be achieved. In addition, since the positioning unit 56 and the container-side electrical connection unit 58 are provided integrally with the operation member 53, when the liquid container 50 is connected to the printer 10, the operation member 53 is gripped to store the liquid. Since the body 50 can be operated, the operability is better than that without the operation member 53.

  Further, since it is not necessary to attach the liquid container 50 to the case in advance, the process of connecting the liquid container 50 to the printer 10 can be simplified. Moreover, since the case is unnecessary, the liquid container 50 can be reduced in size. Furthermore, since no case is required, the liquid containing portion 52 that has consumed ink can be easily made smaller and disposed of.

  Moreover, according to the said embodiment, the liquid storage part 52 is attached to the operation member 53 in the state which can be visually recognized from the exterior of the liquid container 50 (FIG. 7). Accordingly, it is possible to easily recognize the amount of ink stored in the liquid storage unit 52 from the outside based on a change in the state of the liquid storage unit 52 such as a volume change, a shape change, and a change in the ink amount.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the positioning portion 56 and the container-side electrical connection portion 58 are provided on the first side 53fa of the operation member 53 and face the positioning portion 56 and the container-side electrical connection portion 58 with the operation member 53 interposed therebetween. A pressing portion 545 is provided on the second side 53fb (FIGS. 9 and 12). Thereby, the positioning part 56 and the container-side electrical connection part 58 for positioning with respect to the printer 10 and the pressing part 545 pressed when the liquid container 50 is connected to the printer 10 can be easily visually recognized from the outside. Therefore, the connection operation of the liquid container 50 to the printer 10 can be easily performed.

  When the liquid container 50 is dropped, there is a high possibility that the liquid container 52 having a large weight in which ink is stored falls in a posture in which the liquid container 50 is lower than the operation member 53. According to the embodiment, at least a part of the positioning portion 56 is provided on the liquid storage portion 52 side (−Z axis direction side) of the liquid supply port 572 (FIGS. 7 and 13). Thereby, even if it is a case where the liquid container 50 falls, possibility that the liquid supply port 572 will collide with objects, such as the ground, by the positioning part 56 can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility that the liquid supply port 572 is damaged can be reduced.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, at least a part of the circuit board holding part 59 (that is, a part different from the contact part cp in the container-side electrical connection part 58) is on the liquid storage part 52 side (−Z (Axial direction side) (FIGS. 7 and 13). Thereby, even if the liquid container 50 falls, the possibility that the contact part cp collides with an object such as the ground by the circuit board holding part 59 can be reduced. Therefore, possibility that the contact part cp will be damaged can be reduced.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, when the gripping surface 541 is arranged in the direction (+ Z axis direction) perpendicular to the central axis CT direction of the liquid supply unit 57 with respect to the liquid supply unit 57, the gripping surface 541 is liquid. The operation member 53 is provided so as to be offset in the direction of the central axis CT with respect to the supply port 572 (FIG. 15). Thereby, the user can grasp the liquid supply port 572 without being hidden by the operation member 53 when holding the grip portion 54 of the operation member 53 and attaching the liquid container 50 to the printer 10. Therefore, the user can easily attach the liquid container 50 to the printer 10. Further, since the user holds the operation member 53 and handles the liquid container 50, the possibility that the user touches the liquid container 52 can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ink stored in the liquid storage part 52 is damaged and leaks to the outside.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the liquid supply unit 55 is provided so as to protrude outward (−K1 axis direction) from the operation member 53 (FIGS. 9 and 10). Thereby, the user can easily recognize that the protruding direction of the liquid supply unit 55 is the connection direction (FIG. 9) for connecting the liquid container 50 to the printer 10. Therefore, the user can attach the liquid container 50 to the printer 10 more easily.

  Moreover, according to the said embodiment, the liquid container 50 has the positioning part 56 (FIG. 9). Accordingly, since the positioning unit 56 positions the liquid container 50 including the liquid supply unit 57 to a certain degree with respect to the printer 10, the liquid container 50 is mounted on the printer 10 in an appropriate state (correct mounting state). Can do.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the substrate unit 58 is offset with respect to the gripping surface 541 when the gripping surface 541 is disposed in a direction (+ Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the central axis CT direction of the liquid supply unit 57. (FIG. 15). Thereby, when the user has the grip surface 541 of the operation member 53 and attaches the liquid container 50 to the printer 10, the substrate unit 58 is visible. Therefore, the user can attach the liquid container 50 to the printer 10 more easily.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the protruding direction of the substrate unit 58 (−K1 axis direction) and the protruding direction of the liquid supply unit 57 (−K1 axis direction) are the same (FIGS. 9 and 10). Accordingly, when the liquid container 50 is mounted on the printer 10, the user can easily recognize the substrate unit 58 and the liquid supply unit 57 at the same time. Thereby, the connection of the liquid supply unit 57 to the printer 10 and the electrical connection of the substrate unit 58 to the printer 10 can be easily performed. Further, when the user has the gripping surface 541 of the operation member 53 and attaches the liquid container 50 to the printer 10, as shown in FIG. 19, the connection direction of the substrate unit 58 to the printer 10 (-K1-axis direction). It can be recognized that the connection direction of the liquid supply unit 57 to the printer 10 (the −K1 axis direction) is the same. Therefore, the user can attach the liquid container 50 to the printer 10 more easily. Furthermore, by connecting the liquid supply unit 57 to the printer 10, the board unit 58 can be electrically connected to the printer 10.

  Further, according to the embodiment, the substrate unit 58 and the liquid supply unit 55 are provided side by side in the K2 axis direction that is a direction parallel to the gripping surface 541 and orthogonal to the central axis CT. (FIG. 9 and FIG. 10). As a result, both units 58 and 55 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the connection direction (−K1 axis direction), so that the electrical connection between the substrate unit 58 and the apparatus-side electrical connection unit 382 and the printer 10 of the liquid supply unit 57 are performed. Can be more easily made.

B. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

B-1. First modification:
In the above embodiment, the liquid storage portion 52 is formed of a flexible member. However, the liquid storage portion 52 is not limited to this, and may be any function as long as it can function as a liquid storage portion that can store a liquid therein. For example, part of the liquid storage portion 52 may be formed of a flexible member, or may be formed of a hard member whose volume does not change regardless of the amount of liquid consumed.

B-2. Second modification:
In the above embodiment, the operation member 53 has a frame shape (FIG. 13), but the shape is not limited to this, and may be any shape that can be gripped by the user. For example, the operation member 53 may have a rod shape (plate shape) extending along the Z-axis direction.

B-3. Third modification:
The present invention is not limited to the ink jet printer and its liquid container 50, but may be applied to any printing apparatus (liquid consuming apparatus) that ejects liquid other than ink and a liquid container for containing the liquid. Can do. For example, the present invention can be applied to the following various liquid consuming apparatuses and liquid containers.
(1) Image recording device such as a facsimile machine (2) Color material injection device used for manufacturing a color filter for an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (3) Organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, surface emitting display (Field Electrode material injection device used for electrode formation such as Emission Display (FED), etc. (4) Liquid consumption device for injecting liquid containing biological organic material used for biochip manufacturing (5) Sample injection device as a precision pipette (6) Lubrication Oil injection device (7) Resin liquid injection device (8) Liquid consumption device that injects lubricating oil pinpoint to precision machines such as watches and cameras (9) Micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements, etc. ), Etc., a liquid consuming device that injects a transparent resin liquid, such as an ultraviolet curable resin liquid, onto the substrate. Liquid consuming apparatus for injecting alkali of the etching solution (11) any other liquid consuming apparatus including a liquid ejecting head ejecting a minute amount of liquid droplet

  The term “droplet” refers to the state of the liquid ejected from the liquid consuming device, and includes liquid droplets that are granular, tear-like, or thread-like. The “liquid” here may be any material that can be ejected by the liquid consuming apparatus. For example, the “liquid” may be a material in a state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a material in a liquid state having high or low viscosity, and sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, Liquid materials such as liquid resins and liquid metals (metal melts) are also included in the “liquid”. Further, “liquid” includes not only a liquid as one state of a substance but also a liquid obtained by dissolving, dispersing or mixing particles of a functional material made of a solid such as a pigment or metal particles in a solvent. Further, representative examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiment. Here, the ink includes various liquid compositions such as general water-based ink and oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink. In addition, when UV ink that can be cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays is stored in this liquid container and connected to a printer, the liquid container floats from the installation surface, so the heat on the installation surface is transferred to the liquid container and cured. The possibility of doing is reduced.

B-4. Fourth modification:
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the electrical connection body 50a. In the above embodiment, the liquid container 50 includes the liquid container 52 and the liquid supply part 57 (FIGS. 7 and 9). However, the liquid container 50 may be omitted to form the electrical connector 50a. That is, the electrical connection body 50 a has a configuration in which the liquid storage section 52 and the liquid supply section 57 are omitted from the liquid storage body 50. Other configurations are the same as those of the liquid container 50. When this electrical connector 50a is used, ink is supplied from a tank (liquid storage source) 902 arranged outside to store ink through a liquid circulation pipe (hose) 900 that communicates the tank 902 and the liquid introduction part 362. Is supplied to the printer 10. Even if it does in this way, there exists an effect similar to the said embodiment. For example, when connecting the electrical connection body 50 a to the printer 10, the operation member 53 can be held and the electrical connection body 50 a can be operated, so that the operability is better than that without the operation member 53. The liquid circulation pipe (hose) 900 may be connected in the middle of the liquid circulation pipe connected from the liquid introduction unit 362 to the liquid consuming device of the printer 10.

B-5. Fifth modification:
In the above embodiment, the container-side electrical connection portion 58 includes the circuit board 582. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the container-side electrical connection portion 58 has a contact portion cp that can contact the device-side electrical connection portion 382. . For example, the circuit board 582 may not include the storage device 583. For example, the container-side electrical connection portion 58 may include a terminal contact portion used for detection of attachment / detachment of the liquid container 50. The container-side electrical connection portion 58 may include a general circuit board including a flexible cable such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPC). This circuit board has a contact portion on one end side that can contact the device-side electrical connection portion 382. The other end side is connected to a reset device, for example. The modification described above may be used instead of the circuit board 582 or may be used together with the circuit board 582.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or In order to achieve part or all of the above effects, replacement or combination can be performed as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer 11 ... Recording mechanism 16 ... Paper feed tray 17 ... Discharge tray 20 ... Liquid supply apparatus 20A ... 1st liquid supply apparatus 20B ... 2nd liquid supply apparatus 22 ... Cover member 22A ... Cover member 22B ... Cover member 23 ... one end 24 ... other end 26 ... accommodation space 26A ... accommodation space 26B ... accommodation space 30 (30C, 30K, 30M, 30Y) ... detachable unit 35 ... fixing member 36 ... liquid introduction mechanism 38 ... contact mechanism 40 ... movable member 41 ... base 42 ... supply part support part 48 ... substrate support part 50 (50C, 50K, 50M, 50Y) ... liquid container 50a ... electrical connector 51W ... peripheral area 51Y ... peripheral area 52 ... liquid container 53 ... Operating member 53fa ... first side 53fb ... second side 54 ... gripping part 55 ... liquid supply unit 56 ... positioning part 57 ... liquid supply part 58 ... Substrate unit (container side electrical connection part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 59 ... Circuit board holding part 70 ... Channel member 99 ... Film 102 ... Apparatus 1st surface 104 ... Apparatus 2nd surface 106 ... Apparatus 3rd surface 302 ... Screw 362 ... Liquid introduction part 381 ... Apparatus side terminal 382 ... Electrical connection part 384: Device side substrate positioning portion 385: Device side positioning portion 402 ... First support surface portion 403 ... Second support surface portion 404 ... Third support surface portion 406 ... Notch portion 407 ... Groove portion 482 ... First substrate support surface portion 501 ... One end portion 502 ... other end 503 ... first side end 504 ... second side end 521 ... first sheet 522 ... second sheet 523 ... third sheet 541 ... gripping surface 542 ... receiving space part 545 ... pressing part 546 ... 1st connection part 547 ... 2nd connection part 548 ... Base part 549 ... Attachment part 550 ... Derivation part 551 ... Valve mechanism 552 ... Valve seat 554 ... Valve body 556 ... Spring 558 ... Inside Port 572 ... Liquid supply port 573 ... Supply connection 577 ... Projection 577a ... First projection 577b ... Second projection 577c ... Third projection 577d ... Fourth projection 581 ... Terminal 582 ... Circuit board 592 ... First 1 side wall portion 592t ... groove portion 593 ... second side wall portion 593t ... groove portion 594 ... bottom portion 900 ... liquid flow pipe 902 ... tank 1000 ... liquid consumption system CT ... central axis CL ... central axis cp ... contact portion

Claims (8)

A liquid supply device for supplying a liquid to a liquid consumption device,
A cover member;
A detachable unit disposed inside the cover member;
A liquid container detachably attachable to the detachable unit,
A liquid storage portion that is configured of a member having at least a flexibility and can store a liquid;
An operation member located at one end of the liquid storage portion and having a gripping surface that can be gripped;
A liquid container having a liquid supply port at one end, and a liquid container,
The operation member is provided such that the gripping surface is offset in the axial direction of the liquid supply unit with respect to the liquid supply port.
The operation member further includes a container-side electrical connection portion connectable to a device-side electrical connection portion provided in the liquid consuming device,
The container-side electric connection portion is provided so as to offset with respect to the gripping surface in the axial direction of the liquid supply portion,
The liquid supply device is provided with the liquid supply unit protruding outward from the operation member in the axial direction . The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:
A liquid supply apparatus comprising: a positioning unit that positions the liquid container with respect to the liquid consuming device when the liquid container is attached to the liquid consuming device. The liquid supply device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein
The container-side electrical connecting portion is provided as a liquid supply device that protrudes from the operation member in a direction substantially parallel to the protruding direction of the liquid supply portion. A liquid supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein
The said container side electrical connection part is a liquid supply apparatus provided along with the said liquid supply part in the direction substantially parallel to the said holding surface. A liquid supply device for supplying a liquid to a liquid consumption device,
A cover member;
A detachable unit disposed inside the cover member;
A liquid container detachably attachable to the detachable unit,
A liquid storage portion that is configured of a member having at least a flexibility and can store a liquid;
An operation member located at one end of the liquid storage portion and having a gripping surface that can be gripped;
A liquid container having a liquid supply port at one end, and a liquid container,
The operation member is provided such that the gripping surface is offset in the axial direction of the liquid supply unit with respect to the liquid supply port.
The operation member further includes a container-side electrical connection portion connectable to a device-side electrical connection portion provided in the liquid consuming device,
The container-side electric connection portion is provided so as to offset with respect to the gripping surface in the axial direction of the liquid supply portion,
The container-side electrical connecting portion is provided as a liquid supply device that protrudes from the operation member in a direction substantially parallel to the protruding direction of the liquid supply portion . The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising:
A liquid supply apparatus comprising: a positioning unit that positions the liquid container with respect to the liquid consuming device when the liquid container is attached to the liquid consuming device. The liquid supply device according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein
The said container side electrical connection part is a liquid supply apparatus provided along with the said liquid supply part in the direction substantially parallel to the said holding surface. A liquid consumption system,
A liquid consuming device;
A liquid consumption system comprising: the liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .

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