Liquid container

There is provided a technique of improving the mounting position of a liquid container relative to a liquid ejection device. The liquid container configured to be mountable to and dismountable from a case of the liquid ejection device includes a bag-like member that has flexibility and that includes a containing portion provided to contain a liquid inside thereof; and connection member that is located at an end of the bag-like member. The connection member includes a liquid outlet configured such that a liquid introducing element of the liquid ejection device is inserted in the liquid outlet; a container-side electrical connecting structure configured such that a device-side electrical connecting structure of the liquid ejection device is connected with the container-side electrical connecting structure; and two guided elements configured such that at least respective parts of two guide elements of the case are fitted in the two guided elements in a state that the liquid container is placed in the case. In a mounting state that the liquid container is mounted to the liquid ejection device, the liquid outlet is located between the two guided elements, and the container-side electrical connecting structure is located between one of the two guided elements and the liquid outlet.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a liquid container.

BACKGROUND

An ink pack is a known aspect of a liquid container (as described in, for example, Patent Literatures 1 to 3 given below). The ink pack includes a container such as a bag-like member that has flexibility and contains ink, which is to be supplied to an inkjet printer (hereinafter may be simply referred to “printer”) that is one aspect of a liquid ejection device. The printer with the ink pack mounted thereto may include a case such as a tray which the ink pack is placed in. In such a printer, the ink pack is placed in the case and is mounted along with the case to the printer. This establishes an ink supply path and an electrical communication path between the ink pack and the printer.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literatures

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

It is desirable that the ink pack is mounted at a predetermined appropriate position to the printer. An inappropriate mounting position is likely to fail to establish the ink supply path and the electrical communication path of the printer. This is also likely to provide unstable connection of the ink supply path and unstable connection of the electrical communication path and to deteriorate the connections with elapse of time. Furthermore, this is likely to generate an excessive stress by the contact with a printer-side component in the course of connection with the printer and to damage or deteriorate the ink pack. Various studies have conventionally been made to improve the mounting position of the ink pack to the printer. There is, however, still a room for improvement. This problem is not limited to the ink pack mounted to the printer but is commonly found with regard to a liquid container mounted to a liquid ejection device.

Solution to Problem

The present disclosure may be implemented by aspects described below, in order to solve at least part of the above problems.

[1] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid container. This liquid container is mounted to a liquid ejection device. A direction parallel to direction of gravity is defined as a Z direction; a direction of the Z direction that is identical with the direction of gravity is defined as a +Z direction and a direction of the Z direction that is opposite to the direction of gravity is defined as a −Z direction. A direction orthogonal to the Z direction is defined as a Y direction; one direction of the Y direction is defined as a +Y direction and the other direction of the Y direction is defined as a −Y direction. A direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction is defined as an X direction; one direction of the X direction is defined as a +X direction and the other direction of the X direction is defined as a −X direction.

The liquid ejection device comprises a housing, a case, a liquid introducing element and a device-side electrical connecting structure. The housing includes a case placement unit provided inside thereof. The case is configured to move along the +Y direction to be inserted into the case placement unit. The case includes a bottom surface arranged to face in the −Z direction and two guide elements protruded in the −Z direction from the bottom surface in a state that the case is placed in the case placement unit. The liquid introducing element is located at a +Y direction side end of the case placement unit. The device-side electrical connecting structure is located at the +Y direction side end of the case placement unit.

The liquid container is configured to be mountable to and dismountable from the case. The liquid container includes a bag-like member and a connection member. The bag-like member includes a containing portion provided inside thereof to contain a liquid therein. The connection member is located at a +Y direction side end of the liquid container, in a mounting state that the liquid container is mounted to the liquid ejection device.

The connection member comprises a liquid outlet, a container-side electrical connecting structure and two guided elements. The liquid outlet is configured such that the liquid introducing element is inserted into the liquid outlet in the −Y direction, in the mounting state. The container-side electrical connecting structure is configured such that the device-side electrical connecting structure is connected with the container-side electrical connecting structure in the −Y direction, in the mounting state. The two guided elements are configured such that at least respective parts of the two guide elements are fitted in the two guided elements, in a state that the liquid container is placed in the case.

In the mounting state, the liquid outlet is located between the two guided elements in the X direction, and the container-side electrical connecting structure is located between one of the two guided elements and the liquid outlet.

In the liquid container of this aspect, fitting the two guide elements into the corresponding guided elements stabilizes the location position of the liquid container in the case. This configuration accordingly suppresses deterioration of the location position of the liquid container relative to the liquid ejection device and suppresses deterioration of the connection of the liquid container with the liquid ejection device.

The container-side electrical connecting structure is positioned by the three points, i.e., the two guided elements and the liquid outlet. This configuration suppresses the location position of the liquid container from rotating relative to the device-side electrical connecting structure. This accordingly suppresses reduction of the electrical connectivity between the liquid container and the liquid ejection device and suppresses a useless stress from being generated in a connecting portion of the liquid ejection device and the liquid container, thereby suppressing the connecting portion from being damaged or deteriorated.

[2] In the liquid container of the above aspect, in the mounting state, the two guided elements may be located on the −Y direction side of the container-side electrical connecting structure and the liquid outlet.

In the liquid container of this aspect, the liquid outlet is located at the position away from a virtual straight line of connecting the two guided elements. This configuration further increases the positioning accuracy of the container-side electrical connecting structure by the three points, i.e., the two guided elements and the liquid outlet and further suppresses the location position of the liquid container from rotating relative to the device-side electrical connecting structure.

The liquid outlet and the container-side electrical connecting structure are collectively provided at a position nearer to the +Y direction side end of the connection member. This configuration achieves downsizing of the connection member. This configuration additionally facilitates the connection of the liquid outlet with the liquid introducing element and the connection of the container-side electrical connecting structure with the device-side electrical connecting structure.

[3] In the liquid container of the above aspect, in the mounting state, the containing portion may be located on the −Y direction side of the two guided elements.

In the liquid container of this aspect, the liquid outlet and the container-side electrical connecting structure are located at positions away from the containing portion of the bag-like member across the two guided elements. The support of the respective guide elements fitted in the corresponding guided elements suppresses a change in location position of the bag-like member from affecting a connecting portion between the liquid outlet and the liquid introducing element and a connecting portion between the container-side electrical connecting structure and the device-side electrical connecting structure. This accordingly suppresses the stress from being continuously generated in these connecting portions and suppresses, for example, deformation and deterioration of the connection-involved components.

[4] In the liquid container of the above aspect, the container-side electrical connecting structure may have a terminal portion that electrically comes into contact with the device-side electrical connecting structure. The terminal portion may be located on the +Z direction side of respective −Z direction side ends of the two guide elements and may be pressed in at least the +Z direction by the device-side electrical connecting structure, in the mounting state.

In the liquid container of this aspect, fitting the guide elements in the corresponding guided elements suppresses the location position of the connection member from rotating in the +Z direction due to pressing the terminal portion by the device-side electrical connecting structure.

[5] In the liquid container of the above aspect, the liquid ejection device may have two positioning elements that are provided in the case placement unit and that are extended from a +Y direction side end toward a −Y direction side end of the case placement unit. The connection member of the liquid container may be provided with two receiving portions configured to respectively receive the two positioning elements. The two receiving portions may be located at positions that are away from each other in the X direction across the liquid outlet in the mounting state. Each of the two receiving portions may be arranged to at least partly overlap with either one of the two guided elements when being viewed in the Y direction in the mounting state.

In the liquid container of this aspect, the two receiving portions configured to receive the positioning elements increases the positioning accuracy in the case of connection of the liquid introducing element with the liquid outlet and improves the connectivity of the liquid container with the liquid ejection device. The connection between the two positioning elements and the two receiving portions suppresses rotation of the location position of the liquid container and thereby further stabilizes the mounting position of the liquid container. This accordingly enables the connection of the liquid supply path and the connection of the electrical communication path between the liquid ejection device and the liquid container to be more appropriately maintained.

[6] In the liquid container of the above aspect, at least one of the guided elements may be provided over a length in the Z direction of the connection member in the mounting state.

The configuration of the liquid container of this aspect enhances the visual recognition of the guide elements and the guided elements in the course of placing the liquid container in the case and improves the mountability of the liquid container to the case.

[7] In the liquid container of the above aspect, each of the two guided elements may include at least an inclined surface that is provided at an inlet side end with an inlet which corresponding one of the guide elements is inserted in and that is inclined to face the inlet.

The configuration of the liquid container of this aspect facilitates the smooth insertion operation of the guide elements into the guided elements in the course of placing the liquid container in the case and improves the mountability of the liquid container to the case.

[8] In the liquid container of the above aspect, a leading end of the bag-like member may be arranged to overlap with the two guided elements in the X direction in the mounting state, and the bag-like member may include portions that are arranged to overlap with the two guided elements when being viewed in the Y direction in the mounting state.

The configuration of the liquid container of this aspect suppresses a positional misalignment of the supply port relative to the connection member and thereby suppresses deterioration of the connection of the liquid supply path between the liquid ejection device and the liquid container. This also facilitates assembly of the liquid container.

[9] In the liquid container of the above aspect, the bag-like member may have a leading end that is located on a +Y direction side of the bag-like member in the mounting state and that is held by the connection member. The leading end may include portions that overlap with the two guided elements in the X direction in the mounting state.

In the liquid container of this aspect, the guided elements of the connection member support the leading end of the bag-like member to suppress a positional misalignment of the bag-like member relative to the connection member and to suppress deterioration of the mounting position of the liquid container. The connection member serves to protect the bag-like member and thereby enhances the impact resistance of the liquid container.

[10] In the liquid container of the above aspect, the leading end may include depressions that are arranged to overlap with the two guided elements in the X direction in the mounting state, that are arranged to overlap with the two guided elements in the Y direction in the mounting state, and that are respectively indented along an inner circumferential surface of one of the two guided elements in a direction from the guided element toward the bag-like member.

The configuration of the liquid container of this aspect enhances the impact resistance of the liquid container, while suppressing the bag-like member from interfering with the two guided elements.

All the plurality of components included in each of the aspects of the disclosure described above are not essential, but some components among the plurality of components may be appropriately changed, omitted or replaced with other additional components or part of the limitations may be deleted, in order to solve part or all of the problems described above or in order to achieve part or all of the advantageous effects described herein. In order to solve part or all of the problems described above or in order to achieve part or all of the advantageous effects described herein, part or all of the technical features included in one aspect of the disclosure described above may be combined with part or all of the technical features included in another aspect of the disclosure described above to provide one independent aspect of the disclosure.

The present disclosure may be implemented by various aspects other than the liquid container, for example, a liquid ejection device, a liquid ejection system and a connection method and a connecting structure of the liquid container in the liquid ejection system. In the description hereof, the term “system” means a configuration that a plurality of components cooperate with one another to exert one or a plurality of functions. The “system” includes a configuration that part or all of a plurality of components are arranged at remote locations to cooperate with one another, as well as a configuration that a plurality of components cooperate with one another in one single device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A. First Embodiment

According to a first embodiment, the configuration of a liquid ejection device10is described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6. The configuration of a liquid container100mounted to the liquid ejection device10and the configuration of a case61used to mount the liquid container100are described with reference toFIGS. 7 to 37. In the description hereof, the liquid ejection device10with the liquid containers100mounted thereto may be called “liquid ejection system11”.

A1. Configuration of Liquid Ejection Device

Appearance Configuration of Liquid Ejection Device

FIG. 1is a schematic perspective view illustrating the appearance configuration of a liquid ejection device10that constitutes the liquid ejection system11.FIG. 1illustrates arrows X, Y and Z indicating three directions that are perpendicular to one another. Arrows X, Y and Z corresponding to those shown inFIG. 1are appropriately illustrated in other drawings that are referred to in the description hereof.

The directions indicated by the arrows X, Y and Z are based on the location position of the liquid ejection device10in the ordinary use state. The ordinary use state of the liquid ejection device10denotes the state that the liquid ejection device10is placed on a horizontal plane to be used. In the description below, the directions indicated by the arrows X, Y and Z are respectively referred to as “X direction”, “Y direction”, and “Z direction”. With regard to the X direction, one direction is called “+X direction”, and the other direction is called “−X direction”. Similarly with regard to the Y direction and the Z direction, respective one directions are called “+Y direction” and “+Z direction”, and the respective other directions are called “−Y direction” and “−Z direction”.

The following describes the X, Y and Z directions in the sequence of the Z direction, the Y direction and the X direction. The Z direction shows a direction parallel to the direction of gravity. The +Z direction shows the direction of gravity, and the −Z direction shows a direction opposite to the direction of gravity. The Z direction corresponds to a vertical direction (height direction) of the liquid ejection device10. In the description below, the term meaning “above” and the term meaning “below” with regard to the liquid ejection device10are related to the vertical direction on the basis of the direction of the arrow Z, unless otherwise specified. The term “above” represents the −Z direction, and the term “below” represents the +Z direction. A “horizontal direction” represents a direction perpendicular to the Z direction.

The Y direction shows a mounting/dismounting direction of the liquid container100to and from the liquid ejection device10and corresponds to a direction parallel to a front-rear direction (depth direction) of the liquid ejection device10. The +Y direction shows a mounting direction of the liquid container100to the liquid ejection device10and corresponds to a direction from a front surface side to a rear surface side of the liquid ejection device10. The −Y direction shows a dismounting direction of the liquid container100from the liquid ejection device10and corresponds to a direction from the rear surface side to the front surface side of the liquid ejection device10. In the description below, the term meaning “front” and the term meaning “rear” with regard to the liquid ejection device10are related to the front-rear direction on the basis of the direction of the arrow Y, unless otherwise specified. The term “front” represents the −Y direction, and the term “rear” represents the +Y direction.

The X direction shows a direction parallel to a left-right direction (width direction) of the liquid ejection device10. The +X direction corresponds to a direction from a right side to a left side when the liquid ejection device10is viewed from its front side. The −X direction corresponds to an opposite direction from the left side to the right side. In the description below, the terms meaning “right” and the term meaning “left” with regard to the liquid ejection device10are related to the left-right direction on the basis of the direction of the arrow X, unless otherwise specified. The term “right” represents the −X direction, and the term “left” represents the +X direction.

In the description below, the X, Y and Z directions used to describe components (for example, the case61and the liquid container100) separable from the liquid ejection device10are all based on their positions in a mounting state appropriately mounted to the liquid ejection device10in the ordinary use state.

According to the embodiment, the liquid ejection device10is an inkjet printer, and the liquid ejection system11is an inkjet type printing system. In the liquid ejection device10according to the embodiment, the liquid ejected to be consumed is ink. The ink may be, for example, pigment ink. The liquid ejection device10is configured to eject ink droplets and record ink dots on a medium as a processing object, so as to form an image. This medium may be, for example, printing paper. The liquid ejection device10according to the embodiment includes a housing10cthat is a resin hollow box-like body forming an exterior of the liquid ejection device10. The housing10cis in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. An operation part13, a medium outlet14, a medium receiver15, a medium storage inlet16, a medium storage unit17, and a cover member18are provided on a front surface portion12which is arranged to face in the −Y direction and which the user operating the liquid ejection device10is expected to face.

The operation part13includes a display portion13iconfigured to display information that is to be given to the user, and a plurality of operation buttons13bconfigured to accept the user's operations. The medium outlet14is an outlet of the medium fed out from inside of the liquid ejection device10. The medium outlet14is formed as a slit-like opening that is wide in the X direction and is open to the −Y direction. The medium receiver15is located below the medium outlet14to be protruded like a flange in the −Y direction and is configured to receive the medium discharged from the medium outlet14.

The medium storage inlet16is an opening portion, from which the user supplies the medium to the liquid ejection device10. According to the embodiment, the medium storage inlet16is located below the medium receiver15to be open in the −Y direction and is formed as an opening portion in an approximately rectangular shape that is wide in the X direction. The medium storage unit17is a tray-like member configured to store a stock of the medium that is the processing object medium according to the embodiment. The medium storage unit17is placed in the medium storage inlet16, such that a front surface of the medium storage unit17is visible from outside of the liquid ejection device10through the medium storage inlet16. The user stores the medium in the medium storage unit17drawn out in the −Y direction from the liquid ejection device10through the medium storage inlet16and remounts the medium storage unit17through the medium storage inlet16to supply the medium to the liquid ejection device10.

The cover member18is a resin plate-like member that forms part of the exterior of the liquid ejection device10. According to the embodiment, the cover member18is in an approximately rectangular shape that is wide in the X direction and is placed below the medium storage inlet16. The cover member18has claws (not shown) that are provided on its outer circumferential edge and is detachably mounted to the housing10c. The cover member18serves to cover and protect a plurality of the liquid containers100placed inside of the liquid ejection device10.

Internal Configuration of Liquid Ejection Device

The outline of the internal configuration of the liquid ejection device10is described with reference toFIGS. 2 to 6.FIG. 2is a schematic diagram illustrating the liquid ejection device10viewed in the +Y direction with omission of the housing10cand the cover member18.FIG. 2illustrates a controller20, an ejection unit30, a medium conveyance unit35, a liquid supply unit40, and a case placement unit60which are extracted from primary components of the liquid ejection device10.FIG. 3is a schematic diagram illustrating the liquid ejection device10viewed in the +Z direction with omission of the housing10cand the cover member18. The controller20, the ejection unit30and the medium conveyance unit35that are illustrated inFIG. 2are omitted from the illustration ofFIG. 3. As a matter of convenience,FIG. 3illustrates a plurality of the liquid containers100drawn out in the −Y direction along with cases61from their location areas LA where the respective liquid containers10are mounted to the liquid ejection device10.

The liquid ejection device10includes the controller20, the ejection unit30, the medium conveyance unit35, the liquid supply unit40and the case placement unit60(as shown inFIG. 2). In the liquid ejection device10, liquids are supplied from the liquid containers100placed in the case placement unit60via supply pipes42of the liquid supply unit40to the ejection unit30. The ejection unit30ejects the liquids onto a medium MP that is fed out from the medium storage unit17and conveyed by the medium conveyance unit35, so as to form a printed image on the medium MP. The controller20, the ejection unit30, the medium conveyance unit35, the liquid supply unit40, and the case placement unit60are described sequentially.

Controller

The controller20is configured to control the operations of respective components in the liquid ejection device10. The controller20is configured by a microcomputer including at least a central processing unit and a main storage unit. The central processing unit loads and executes various programs on and in the main storage unit to exert various functions. The functions of the controller20will be described sequentially.

Ejection Unit

The ejection unit30includes a head portion31and a plurality of tubes32(shown inFIG. 2). The head portion31receives the supplies of liquids from the liquid supply unit40via the plurality of tubes32. A supply mechanism of the liquids from the liquid supply unit40will be described later. The head portion31includes a liquid chamber (not shown) configured to store the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit40. Nozzles33are provided on a bottom surface of the liquid chamber to be open downward. The head portion31ejects the liquid stored in the liquid chamber from the nozzles33under control of the controller20by a known method, for example, application of a pressure to ink by means of a piezoelectric element.

According to the embodiment, the head portion31is mounted on a carriage34and is configured to linearly reciprocate in the X direction under control of the controller20.FIG. 2illustrates a two-way arrow PS indicating moving directions and a moving range of the head portion31. According to the embodiment, a main scan direction of the liquid ejection device10corresponds to the X direction. The ejection unit30includes a guide shaft along which the carriage34moves, a motor configured to generate a driving force, and a pulley configured to transmit the driving force, as a driving mechanism configured to move the head portion31. Illustration and detailed description of these elements is omitted.

The plurality of tubes32connected with the head portion31have flexibility. The plurality of tubes32are arrayed in parallel to the Y direction. The plurality of tubes32are arranged approximately linearly in the +X direction along a scan route of the head portion31from a joint43that is a connecting portion with the supply pipes42of the liquid supply unit40described later and are then curved upward and folded back in the −X direction to be connected with the head portion31. Curved portions32rof the plurality of tubes32are displaced with movement of the head portion31. This configuration suppresses the plurality of tubes32from disturbing the main scan of the head portion31and facilitates the smooth moving operation of the head portion31.

Medium Conveyance Unit

The medium conveyance unit35conveys the medium MP as the processing object under control of the controller20(as shown inFIG. 2). The medium conveyance unit35includes a conveyance roller36that is laid in the X direction below the head portion31. The medium storage unit17described above is placed below the conveyance roller36. The medium conveyance unit35is equipped with a feed-out mechanism (not shown) configured to feed out the medium MP one by one from the medium storage unit17onto an outer circumferential surface of the conveyance roller36. The medium conveyance unit35rotates the conveyance roller36by means of a drive motor (not shown) and moves the medium MP placed below the head portion31in the −Y direction by its rotational driving force. According to the embodiment, a sub scan direction of the liquid ejection device10corresponds to the −Y direction. The medium MP passing through an area below the head portion31is discharged out of the liquid ejection device10through the medium outlet14.

In the course of a printing process of the liquid ejection device10, the controller20conveys the medium MP in the sub scan direction described above by means of the medium conveyance unit35. The head portion31placed above the conveyance roller36is reciprocated in the main scan direction along the conveyance roller36and is configured to eject ink droplets toward a printing surface of the medium P at a timing determined according to print data. Ink dots are accordingly recorded on the medium MP at positions determined according to the print data, so as to form an image based on the print data.

Liquid Supply Unit

The liquid supply unit40is described with reference toFIG. 4, along withFIG. 2andFIG. 3.FIG. 4is a schematic perspective view extracting and illustrating the liquid supply unit40.FIG. 4illustrates an opening member62together with the liquid supply unit40, with a view to showing a positional relationship between the liquid supply unit40and the opening member62in the liquid ejection device10. The liquid supply unit40includes a plurality of connection receiving portions50, a pressure fluctuation generator45and a pressure transmitting pipe46, in addition to the plurality of supply pipes42and the joint43described above (as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4). The configuration of the plurality of connection receiving portions50is described first. The supply pipes42and the joint43are described next. The pressure fluctuation generator45and the pressure transmitting pipe46constituting a liquid suction and delivery mechanism are then described.

Connection Receiving Portion

The liquid supply unit40is connected with the plurality of liquid containers100placed in the case placement unit60via the plurality of connection receiving portions50. Four liquid containers100respectively containing different color inks are mounted to the liquid ejection device10of the embodiment as described later. According to the embodiment, the liquid supply unit40includes four connection receiving portions50respectively corresponding to the four liquid containers100.

According to the embodiment, three out of the four liquid containers100are first liquid containers100athat have identical capacities to contain the liquids, and the remaining one is a second liquid container100bthat has a larger capacity to contain the liquid than the capacities of the first liquid containers100a. Three out of the plurality of connection receiving portions50are first connection receiving portions50acorresponding to the first liquid containers100a, and the remaining one is a second connection receiving portion50bcorresponding to the second liquid container100b. The first connection receiving portions50aand the second connection receiving portion50bare collectively called “connection receiving portion50” unless there is a need to distinguish the connection receiving portions50aand50bfrom each other. Similarly the first liquid containers100aand the second liquid container100bare collectively called “liquid container100” unless there is a need to distinguish the liquid containers100aand100bfrom each other. According to the embodiment, the first connection receiving portions50aand the second connection receiving portion50bhave no substantial structural differences with regard to the configuration involved in connection with the liquid containers100.

The plurality of connection receiving portions50are placed on a +Y direction side end of the case placement unit60(as shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4). The respective connection receiving portions50are arrayed to be aligned in the X direction on a lowest step at deepest positions on the rear surface side of the liquid ejection device10. The respective connection receiving portions50are placed to receive the connection of the corresponding liquid containers100from the −Y direction side. The three first connection receiving portions50aare arranged in parallel at substantially equal intervals from the right side. The second connection receiving portion50bis placed on the leftmost side.

The general configuration of each of the connection receiving portions50is described with reference toFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a schematic perspective view extracting and illustrating part of the first connection receiving portions50aamong the plurality of connection receiving portions50. The following description is commonly applied to the first connection receiving portions50aand the second connection receiving portion50bunless otherwise specified. The connection receiving portion50is configured as one part by integrating a liquid introducing element51, a device-side electrical connecting structure52, a first positioning element53f, a second positioning element53s, a device-side fixation structure54, and a fitting structure55.

The liquid introducing element51is configured such that the liquid flows in from the liquid container100. According to the embodiment, the liquid introducing element51is located on a +Y direction side end of the case placement unit60. The liquid introducing element51is configured by a tube that is linearly extended in the −Y direction and that is open at a leading end portion51ton the −Y direction side. The leading end portion51tof the liquid introducing element51is inserted into the liquid container100, so that the liquid introducing element51is connected with the liquid container100. According to the embodiment, the liquid introducing element51is protruded in the −Y direction at an approximate center in the X direction of the connection receiving portion50.

A rear end portion on the +Y direction side of the liquid introducing element51is arranged to communicate with a pump chamber (not shown) provided inside of the connection receiving portion50. The liquid flowed into the liquid introducing element51flows into the pump chamber. A check valve structure (not shown) is provided inside of the connection receiving portion50to suppress the liquid flowing into the pump chamber from flowing back to the liquid introducing element51.

In the connection receiving portion50according to the embodiment, a liquid receiving element56is provided below the liquid introducing element51. The liquid receiving element56is extended in the −Y direction along the liquid introducing element51. The liquid receiving element56is slightly curved downward to follow the shape of a lower side surface of the liquid introducing element51and serves as a receiver to receive the liquid leaked from a connecting position of the liquid introducing element51with the liquid container100. The liquid receiving element56may be omitted.

Abase end member57is provided at rear ends on the +Y direction side of the liquid introducing element51and the liquid receiving element56. The base end member57is a resin member having a through hole51p, which the liquid introducing element51is inserted through. The base end member57is mounted to be movable in the Y direction. A helical spring serving as a biasing member57eis placed on a rear surface side of the base end member57to surround the periphery of the liquid introducing element51and is configured to apply an elastic force in the −Y direction to the base end member57. The biasing member57eis placed behind the base end member57to be not visible, and its location position is shown by the broken line inFIG. 5. The base end member57is elastically moved in the Y direction as shown by an arrow SD by a force applied by the biasing member57e. When the liquid container100is mounted to the liquid ejection device10, a force in the −Y direction is applied to the liquid container100and the case61by the base end member57.

The device-side electrical connecting structure52is a connector that is electrically connected with the liquid container100. The device-side electrical connecting structure52is located on a +Y direction side end of the case placement unit60(as shown inFIG. 3). The device-side electrical connecting structure52has a plurality of terminal portions52tarrayed in the X direction. The respective terminal portions52tare protruded from the surface of the device-side electrical connecting structure52and come into contact with to be electrically connected with a container-side electrical connecting structure (described later) of the liquid container100. It is desirable that the respective terminal portions52tare biased in their protruding direction by an elastic member such as a leaf spring. According to the embodiment, the device-side electrical connecting structure52is arranged at an inclination angle corresponding to a location angle of the container-side electrical connecting structure of the liquid container100.

The device-side electrical connecting structure52is arranged to face obliquely upward, such that its normal vector on the surface includes a −Y-direction vector component and a −Z direction vector component.

The device-side electrical connecting structure52is connected with the controller20(shown inFIG. 29) via a wiring (not shown). The wiring may be formed, for example, by a flexible flat cable. Electrical connection between the device-side electrical connecting structure52and the container-side electrical connecting structure causes electric signals to be transmitted between the controller20and the liquid container100. The controller20accordingly obtains information with regard to the liquid contained in the liquid container100. The information with regard to the liquid is, for example, the color of ink, the type of ink, and a parameter indicating the amount of the liquid contained in the liquid container100. The controller20also serves to electrically detect the connecting state of the liquid container100.

One guide projection52gis provided on each of two sides in the X direction of the device-side electrical connecting structure52. As a matter of convenience,FIG. 5illustrates only the guide projection52gon the +X direction side with omission of the guide projection52gon the −Y direction side. The guide projection52gis shown to be protruded in the −Y direction inFIG. 5for convenience sake and serves as a positioning structure to connect the container-side electrical connecting structure (described later) of the liquid container100with the device-side electrical connecting structure52.

The first positioning element53fand the second positioning element53sare protruded at positions that are separate from each other. According to the embodiment, the first positioning element53fand the second positioning element53sare configured as shaft portions extended in the −Y direction and are arranged to be parallel to the liquid introducing element51. The first positioning element53fis located on the −X direction side of the liquid introducing element51, and the second positioning element53sis located on the +X direction side of the liquid introducing element51. The first positioning element53fis located on the −X direction side of the device-side electrical connecting structure52. According to the embodiment, the first positioning element53fand the second positioning element53shave leading ends that are arranged at positions substantially aligned in the Y direction. The first positioning element53fand the second positioning element53sare provided at approximately the same height positions and are placed at lower positions than the positions of the liquid introducing element51and the device-side electrical connecting structure52.

In the mounting state of the liquid container100, both the first positioning element53fand the second positioning element53sare inserted into corresponding receiving structures (described later) provided in the liquid container100. The first positioning element53fand the second positioning element53sserve to define the location position in the X direction and the location angle in the horizontal direction of the liquid container100in the mounting state of the liquid container100.

It is desirable that the first positioning element53fand the second positioning element53sare protruded toward the −Y direction side of the leading end portion51tof the liquid introducing element51. This configuration enables the liquid introducing element51to be connected with a liquid outlet (described later) of the liquid container100in the state that the mounting position of the liquid container100is defined by the pair of positioning elements53fand53s. As illustrated, it is preferable to provide grooves53gthat are formed in outer circumferential side surfaces of the respective positioning elements53fand53sthat are extended parallel to the Y direction. This configuration ensures the smooth insertion of the positioning elements53fand53sinto the receiving structures of the liquid container100.

The device-side fixation structure54works in combination with a case-side fixation structure (described later) provided in the case61where the liquid container100is placed to restrict the movement of the case61in the Y direction. According to the embodiment, the device-side fixation structure54is configured as an arm member and is extended in the −Y direction to enter below the mounted liquid container100. The device-side fixation structure54is located on the −X direction side of the liquid introducing element51and is located below the device-side electrical connecting structure52.

The device-side fixation structure54has a leading end54ton its −Y direction side that is protruded toward the −Y direction side of the leading end portion51tof the liquid introducing element51. The leading end54tis protruded toward the −Y direction side of leading ends of the respective positioning elements53fand53s. The leading end54tis provided with a protrusion54p. The protrusion54pis protruded in the −Z direction at the center of the leading end54t. The protrusion54pis engaged with an engaged element provided in the case-side fixation structure in a case placement state that the case61is mounted to the case placement unit60. In the description below, in some cases, the protrusion54pis also called “engagement element54p”. Locking the protrusion54pby the engaged element provided in the case-side fixation structure restricts the movement of the case61in the −Y direction.

The device-side fixation structure54is mounted to be rotatable in a lateral direction about its rear end on the +Y direction side as the point of support as shown by a two-way arrow EX. The device-side fixation structure54is biased in the +X direction by means of an elastic member (not shown) placed inside of the connection receiving portion50and is elastically rotated in the −X direction when an external force is applied in the −X direction. The device-side fixation structure54is also mounted to be rotatable in the height direction about its rear end on the +Y direction side as the point of support as shown by a two-way arrow EZ. The device-side fixation structure54is biased in the −Z direction by means of an elastic member (not shown) placed inside of the connection receiving portion50and is elastically rotated in the +Z direction when an external force is applied in the +Z direction. The mechanism of engagement between the device-side fixation structure54and the case-side fixation structure of the case61will be described later.

The fitting structure55is provided on the +X direction side of the liquid introducing element51. The fitting structure55is located above the second positioning element53sand has a concave-convex structure including an array of a plurality of protrusions55cin an approximately rectangular shape that are protruded to an identical height in the +Z direction and that are extended parallel to the −Y direction. The respective connection receiving portions50have different arrayed patterns of the protrusions55cin the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure55. The liquid container100corresponding to each of the connection receiving portions50is provided with a fitting structure receiving structure (described later) that has a matching concave-convex structure corresponding to the arrayed pattern of the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure55. This configuration suppresses any non-corresponding wrong liquid container100from being connected with the connection receiving portion50.

Supply Pipe and Joint

The plurality of supply pipes42are configured by resin tube members having flexibility (as shown inFIG. 4). Each of the supply pipes42is connected with the pump chamber (not shown) provided inside of each of the connection receiving portions50described above. The respective supply pipes42are laid out from the respective connection receiving portions50to go through above the placement area of the liquid containers100, are gathered on a −X direction side end and are drawn in parallel to the −Y direction (as shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4). The respective supply pipes42are then drawn in the −Z direction on a front side end of the liquid ejection device10to be connected with the joint43that is placed at a higher position than the position of the medium conveyance unit35(as shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 4). As described above, each of the supply pipes42is connected with corresponding one of the plurality of tubes32of the ejection unit30via the joint43.

Liquid Suction and Delivery Mechanism in Liquid Supply Unit

The pressure fluctuation generator45is a generation source of generating a pressure fluctuation for suction and delivery of the liquid and is configured by, for example, a pump (as shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3). The pressure fluctuation generator45is placed above the case placement unit60at a position nearer to the front surface portion12of the liquid ejection device10(as shown inFIG. 2). The pressure fluctuation generator45is located above the mounting position of the first liquid container100a. The pressure transmitting pipe46is connected with the pressure fluctuation generator45and is configured to transmit the pressure fluctuation generated by the pressure fluctuation generator45(as shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4). The pressure transmitting pipe46is connected with a pressure chamber (not shown) provided inside of each connection receiving portion50.

The pressure chamber of each connection receiving portion50is arranged across a flexible membrane to be adjacent to the pump chamber, which the fluid flows in from the liquid container100. When the pressure in the pressure chamber is decreased by the pressure fluctuation generator45, the flexible membrane is bent toward the pressure chamber to increase the volume of the pump chamber and to cause the liquid contained in the liquid container100to be sucked into the pump chamber via the liquid introducing element51. When the pressure in the pressure chamber is increased by the pressure fluctuation generator45, on the other hand, the flexible membrane is bent toward the pump chamber to decrease the volume of the pump chamber and to cause the liquid flowing into the pump chamber to be pressed out to the supply pipe42. The pressure fluctuation generator45repeatedly increases and decreases the pressure in the pressure chamber in this manner, so that the liquid supply unit40supplies the liquid to the ejection unit30.

Case Placement Unit

In the liquid ejection device10according to the embodiment, the case placement unit60is provided on a lower most level (as shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3). A plurality of the cases61are placed in the case placement unit60. In the case placement state described above, the plurality of cases61are arrayed in a line in the X direction in the case placement unit60. A plurality of the liquid containers100are respectively located in the plurality of cases61. One liquid container100is located in one case61. Accordingly, the plurality of liquid containers100located in the cases61are placed in the case placement unit60to be arrayed in a line in the X direction. InFIG. 2, the liquid containers100are hidden in the cases61to be not visible, so that the respective location positions of the liquid containers100are shown by the broken line with the corresponding reference signs. InFIG. 3, location areas LA that are location positions where the cases61and the liquid containers100are mounted in the case placement unit60are shown by the one-dot chain line.

In the case placement unit60, one second liquid container100bis placed at its +X direction side end, and three first liquid containers100aare placed on its −X direction side (as shown inFIG. 2). One corresponding connection receiving portion50is provided on a +Y direction side of the location area LA of each liquid container100(as shown inFIG. 3). As described above, different color inks are contained in the respective liquid containers100according to the embodiment. The combination of the color inks contained in the respective liquid containers100is not specifically limited. For example, cyan, magenta and yellow inks may be respectively contained in the three first liquid containers100a, whereas black ink expected to have the largest consumed amount may be contained in the second liquid container100b. One identical color ink may be contained in part or all of the liquid containers100.

The plurality of cases61are used to mount the liquid containers100. According to the embodiment, the case61is configured as a tray-like vessel. The case61is movable in the Y direction in the case placement unit60to be mounted to and dismounted from the liquid ejection device10. The vacant case61without the liquid container100therein is also placeable in the case placement unit60. The details of mounting and dismounting of the cases61and the liquid containers100to and from the liquid ejection device10will be described later.

The liquid container100is detachably mounted to the Z direction side of the case61drawn out from the case placement unit60. The liquid container100that is placed in the case61is mounted to the liquid ejection device10. More specifically, the liquid container100that is placed in the case61is mounted to the case placement unit60of the liquid ejection device10. The liquid container100that is placed in the case61is taken out from the case placement unit60. The case61includes first cases61awhich the first liquid containers100aare placed in, and a second case61b, which the second liquid container100bis placed in. The first cases61aand the second case61bare collectively called “case61” unless there is a need to distinguish the cases61aand61bfrom each other. The details of the configuration of the case61will be described later.

In the description hereof, the first liquid container100aproperly placed in the first case61ais also called “first mounting body105a”. Similarly, the second liquid container100bproperly placed in the second case61bis also called “second mounting body105b”. The first mounting body105aand the second mounting body105bare collectively called “mounting body105” unless there is a need to distinguish the mounting bodies105aand105bfrom each other.

The opening member62is placed at the inlet of the case placement unit60(as shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 4). The opening member62is a plate-like member in an approximately rectangular shape and includes four through ports63that are pierced in the thickness direction. The opening member62is located and fixed on a −Y direction side end of the case placement unit60in such a state that its thickness direction corresponds to the Y direction and its longitudinal direction corresponds to the x direction. Each of the through ports63is an insertion port which the case61is inserted in. Each through port63has an opening shape corresponding to an outer circumferential contour of the corresponding case61when being viewed in the Y direction. The opening member62serves to guide insertion and draw-out of the case61into and from the liquid ejection device10. The opening member62also serves to suppress the user from inserting the first case61aor the second case61binto a wrong location. A plurality of concaves63rthat are recessed in the +Z direction are provided at a lower end of each through port63. The respective concaves63rare provided corresponding to rail ribs230(described later) provided on a lower surface of the case61that corresponds to the through port63and serve to allow the rail ribs230to be inserted into the case placement unit60and to guide movement of the rail ribs230. The opening member62may be omitted.

FIG. 6is a schematic sectional view illustrating the inlet of the case placement unit60, taken along a line5-5shown inFIG. 2. The opening member62includes top wall portions62ethat are provided at upper ends of the respective through ports63and that are protruded like flanges in the +Y direction (as shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 6). The top wall portion62eincludes an inclined wall surface62sthat is arranged to face in the +Z direction and that is inclined upward from the −Y direction side toward the +Y direction side. When the liquid contained in the liquid container100is consumed and a −Y direction-side end101of a bag-like member (described later) in the liquid container100moves up in the case61, the end101is guided by the inclined wall surface62sin the course of drawing out the case61. This configuration enables the case61to be smoothly drawn out from the case placement unit60.

A plurality of rail grooves64are formed in a bottom surface of the case placement unit60(as shown inFIG. 2). The respective rail grooves64are linearly formed for the respective location areas LA of the liquid containers100over the entire range in the Y direction of the case placement unit60. The rail rib (described later) provided on the lower surface of the case61is fitted in each rail groove64. The rail groove64serves to guide movement in the Y direction of the case61inside of the liquid ejection device10and to suppress the cases61adjacent to each other in the X direction from coming into contact with each other. This configuration also simplifies connection of the liquid container100with the connection receiving portion50. Each case61may employ a different configuration of the rail groove64and the corresponding rail rib, for the purpose of preventing wrong mounting. Part or all of the rail grooves64may be omitted.

A plurality of rollers65are placed on the bottom surface of the case placement unit60(as shown inFIG. 3). The respective rollers65are arranged to be appropriately dispersed in the Y direction for the respective location areas LA of the liquid containers100. Rotation of each roller65reduces the moving resistance in the course of moving the case61in the Y direction and enable to be smoothed the user's moving operation of the case61. The rollers65may be omitted.

Configurations of Liquid Containers and Cases

The configurations of the first liquid container100aand the first case61aconstituting the first mounting body105aare described below with appropriately referring toFIGS. 7 to 16. The configurations of the second liquid container100band the second case61bconstituting the second mounting body105bare then described with referring toFIGS. 17 to 24.

First Mounting Body: First Liquid Container and First Case

The following description refers toFIGS. 7 to 16.FIG. 7is a schematic perspective view illustrating the first mounting body105aviewed from above.FIG. 8is a schematic perspective view illustrating the first mounting body105aviewed from below.FIG. 9is a schematic diagram illustrating an upper surface side of the first mounting body105awhen the first mounting body105ais viewed in the +Z direction.FIG. 10is a schematic diagram illustrating a lower surface side of the first mounting body105awhen the first mounting body105ais viewed in the −Z direction.FIG. 11is a schematic diagram illustrating a left side surface side of the first mounting body105awhen the first mounting body105ais viewed in the −X direction. A right side surface side of the first mounting body105ais substantially similar to the left side surface side of the first mounting body105a.FIG. 12is a schematic diagram illustrating a front surface side of the first mounting body105a(i.e., a rear end side in the mounting direction of the first mounting body105ato the liquid ejection device10) when the first mounting body105ais viewed in the +Y direction.FIG. 13is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the first liquid container100ataken out from the first case61awhen being viewed downward.FIG. 14is a schematic sectional view illustrating the first mounting body105a, taken along a line14-14inFIG. 9.FIG. 15is a schematic perspective view illustrating the periphery of a connection member120awhen being viewed downward.FIG. 16is a schematic perspective view illustrating the periphery of a container-side electrical connecting structure140extracted fromFIG. 15. The following first describes the schematic configuration of the first liquid container100aand subsequently describes the schematic configuration of the first case61a.

First Liquid Container

The first liquid container100ais an ink pack and includes a bag-like member110aand a connection member120a(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 8). The first liquid container100ahas an approximately rectangular outer circumferential contour having its longitudinal direction corresponding to the Y direction when being viewed in the Z direction (as shown inFIG. 9). The connection member120aforms a +Y direction side end portion of the first liquid container100a. The bag-like member110ais located on the −Y direction side of the connection member120a.

The first liquid container100ais configured to have a width in the Z direction that is smaller than a width in the X direction and a width in the Y direction (as shown inFIG. 13andFIG. 14). The term “width” herein means a distance in each direction between components located at the outermost positions in the direction of the first liquid container100a. In other words, the first liquid container100ahas a thin flat plate-like shape. Accordingly the first liquid container100ahas high stability at the location position on the first case61a(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 14).

The bag-like member110ais a container forming a containing portion115to contain the liquid therein (as shown inFIG. 7,FIG. 13andFIG. 14). The bag-like member110ahas flexibility. The flexibility of the bag-like member110amay be such a degree that the bag-like member110ais bent by its own weight or may be such a degree that the bag-like member110akeeps its shape by its own weight and is bent by applying a greater load than the own weight. The bag-like member110ahas an approximately rectangular shape having its longitudinal direction corresponding to the Y direction when being viewed in the Z direction (as shown inFIG. 9). The bag-like member110ais formed by laying two sheet members111and112one over the other and welding an outer circumferential edge113. The containing portion115inside of the bag-like member110ahas an approximately rectangular shape (not shown) having its longitudinal direction corresponding to the Y direction, like the bag-like member110a, when being viewed in the Z direction.

The first sheet member111is located on the −Z direction side and forms an upper surface of the bag-like member110a(as shown inFIG. 14). The second sheet member112is located on the +Z direction side and forms a lower surface of the bag-like member110a. The respective sheet members111and112have rectangular shapes of identical sizes (as shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 13). The respective sheet members111and112may not be formed in a completely flat shape. It is preferable that the respective sheets111and112are formed in a bent shape to be gradually swelled toward the center in the bag-like member110a(as shown inFIG. 14).

The respective sheet members111and112are made of a material having flexibility gas barrier property and liquid impermeability. The respective sheet members111and112may be formed from film members made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon or polyethylene. Each of the sheet members111and112may be configured by layering a plurality of films made of the above material. In this case, for example, an outer layer may be formed by a PET or nylon film having excellent impact resistance, and an inner layer may be formed by a polyethylene film having excellent ink resistance. Furthermore, a deposition layer of aluminum or the like may be added to the layered structure.

A supply port member116is attached to a +Y direction side end of the bag-like member110(as shown inFIG. 14). The supply port member116will be described later. A skeleton member configured to keep the shape of the containing portion115and a tubular member configured to introduce the liquid contained in the containing portion115to outside of the bag-like member110aare placed inside of the bag-like member110a. The internal structure of the bag-like member110ais omitted from the illustration ofFIG. 14.

Connection Member

The connection member120ais attached to a +Y direction side end of the bag-like member110a(as shown inFIG. 7,FIG. 9,FIG. 13andFIG. 14). The connection member120ais fixed to a front end portion in the mounting direction of the first mounting body105a. The connection member120ahas a function of connecting with the corresponding first connection receiving portion50aand a function of fixing the first liquid container100ato the first case61a.

The general appearance of the connection member120ais described. The connection member120ais generally formed in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape having its longitudinal direction corresponding to the X direction (as shown inFIG. 13andFIG. 15). The width in the X direction of the connection member120ais slightly larger than the width in the X direction of the bag-like member110a(as shown inFIG. 9). The difference may be, for example, several mm to ten-odd mm. A main body of the connection member120amay be formed by, for example, molding a resin material such as polypropylene.

The connection member120aincludes a first surface portion121, a second surface portion122, a third surface portion123, a fourth surface portion124, a fifth surface portion125and a sixth surface portion126(as shown inFIG. 15). In the description hereof, the “surface portion” may not be necessarily formed in a planar shape but may be formed in a curved shape or may have concaves, convexes, level differences, grooves, bends and inclined surfaces. The state that two surface portions “intersect with each other” means any of the state that two surface portions actually intersect with each other, the state that one extending surface of one surface portion intersects with the other surface portion, and the state that extending surfaces of two surface portions intersect with each other. A curved surface or an inclined surface may intervene between adjacent surface portions to smoothly connect the respective surface portions or to obliquely intersect with the respective surface portions, respectively.

The first surface portion121is arranged to face in the +Y direction and forms a front end face in the mounting direction of the first liquid container100a. As described later, components provided to connect with the first connection receiving portion50aare collectively provided on the first surface portion121-side of the connection member120a. The second surface portion122is located at a position opposed to the first surface portion121and is arranged to face in the −Y direction. The second surface portion122forms a rear end face in the mounting direction of the first liquid container100a. The bag-like member110adescribed above is fixed to the second surface portion122. The third surface portion123is arranged to intersect with the first surface portion121and the second surface portion122and to face in the −Z direction. The third surface portion123forms an upper surface of the connection member120a. A handle170ais attached to the third surface portion123to enhance the handling performance of the first liquid container100a. The handle170awill be described later.

The fourth surface portion124is located at a position opposed to the third surface portion123and is arranged to intersect with the first surface portion121and the second surface portion122. The fourth surface portion124is a surface portion on the +Z direction side to face in the +Z direction and forms a bottom surface of the connection member120a. The fifth surface portion125is arranged to intersect with the first surface portion121, the second surface portion122, the third surface portion123and the fourth surface portion124. The fifth surface portion125is arranged to face in the +X direction and forms a left side surface of the connection member120a. The sixth surface portion126is located at a position opposed to the fifth surface portion125and is arranged to intersect with the first surface portion121, the second surface portion122, the third surface portion123and the fourth surface portion124. The sixth surface portion126is arranged to face in the −X direction and forms a right side surface of the connection member120a.

The connection member120aincludes a first member127fand a second member127sthat are laid one over the other in the Z direction (as shown inFIG. 15). A slit128is formed in the connection member120a. A +Y direction side end portion of the bag-like member110ais inserted in the slit128formed in the second surface portion122. The bag-like member110ais fixed to the connection member120ain such a state that the +Y direction side end portion thereof is placed between the first member127fand the second member127sin the Z direction. The details of the fixation structure of the bag-like member110ain the connection member120awill be described later.

The connection member120ais provided with a liquid outlet131, a container-side electrical connecting structure140, a first receiving portion150f, a second receiving portion150sand a fitting structure receiving portion155as components provided to connect with the first connection receiving portion50a(as shown inFIG. 7,FIG. 13andFIG. 15). These components are collectively provided on the first surface portion121-side of the connection member120a. The following sequentially describes these components and then describes other components provided in the connection member120a.

Liquid Outlet

The liquid outlet131is an opening portion that is open in the +Y direction (as shown inFIG. 15). Accordingly, the liquid outlet131has a center axis that is parallel to the Y direction. The liquid introducing element51of the first connection receiving portion50a(shown inFIG. 15) is inserted toward the −Y direction into the liquid outlet131. The liquid outlet131is provided at an approximate center position in the X direction in the first surface portion121. The liquid outlet131is formed at a similar height position to the height of fixation of the bag-like member110a.

The liquid outlet131communicates with the containing portion115that is a liquid containing space provided inside of the bag-like member110a. The liquid outlet131communicates with the containing portion115via a supply port member116(shown inFIG. 14) that is mounted to the +Y direction side end portion of the bag-like member110aand a tubular member300(shown inFIG. 32that is referred to later) that is connected with the supply port member116. The detailed description of the configuration of the liquid flow path in the first liquid container100ais omitted. A valve structure that is kept closed prior to insertion of the liquid introducing element51into the liquid outlet131and that is opened by insertion of the liquid introducing element51and a seal structure (not shown) are provided inside of the connection member120afor the purpose of preventing leakage of the liquid.

According to the embodiment, a peripheral portion132of the liquid outlet131is entirely recessed in the −Y direction in the first surface portion121, and the liquid outlet131opens at a position protruded in the −Y direction from the peripheral portion132. The liquid outlet131is accordingly surrounded by a wall portion formed by the peripheral portion132. This configuration enhances the protection of the liquid outlet131and suppresses, for example, the user from mistakenly touching the liquid outlet131. This configuration also reduces degradation such as damage or deformation caused by collision of the liquid outlet131when the first liquid container100ais mistakenly dropped off. The peripheral portion132may be provided with a peripheral rib that is formed to surround the liquid outlet131and to be protruded in the +Y direction.

When the liquid introducing element51of the first connection receiving portion50ais connected with the liquid outlet131, the peripheral portion132comes into contact with and is pressed by the base end member57(shown inFIG. 5) provided in the periphery of the liquid introducing element51to receive an elastic force in the −Y direction. In the mounting state that the first liquid container100ais mounted to the liquid ejection device100, the first case61awith the first liquid container100aplaced therein is engaged with the first connection receiving portion50a(as described later). This configuration suppresses the first liquid container100aand the first case61afrom moving in the −Y direction from the location area LA even when the peripheral portion132is biased in the −Y direction by the base end member57.

Container-Side Electrical Connecting Structure

The container-side electrical connection structure140includes a substrate portion141provided to connect with the device-side electrical connecting structure52(as shown inFIG. 7,FIG. 15andFIG. 16). The container-side electrical connecting structure140electrically comes into contact with the device-side electrical connecting structure52of the first connection receiving portion50a(shown inFIG. 5). A plurality of terminals142are placed on a surface141sof the substrate portion141(as shown inFIG. 16). The plurality of terminals142are located at positions corresponding to the terminal portions52tof the device-side electrical connecting structure52. A storage device configured to store information with regard to the liquid, a circuit configured to detect connection with the device-side electrical connecting structure52and the like (their illustration and detailed description are omitted) may be provided on an opposite side face opposite to the surface141sof the substrate portion141.

According to the embodiment, each of the terminals142has a substantially flat contact surface which the terminal portion52tof the device-side electrical connecting structure52comes into contact with. The positions of contact areas CP of the respective terminals142that come into contact with the terminal portions52tof the device-side electrical connecting structure52are shown by the broken line inFIG. 16. The contact areas CP of the respective terminals142are arrayed on an upper line and on a lower line in an array direction parallel to the X direction on the surface141sof the substrate portion141. The arrayed pattern of the terminals142and the contact areas CP is not limited to that illustrated inFIG. 16.

According to the embodiment, the container-side electrical connecting structure140is provided at a position nearer to a −X direction side end of the connection member120aand is located on the −X direction side of the liquid outlet131(as shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 15). A substrate placement structure144configured to place the substrate portion141of the container-side electrical connecting structure140is formed in the connection member120aas a concave that is recessed in the −Y direction and in the +Z direction (as shown inFIG. 16). The substrate placement structure144includes an inclined surface144sthat is formed to face obliquely upward between the +Y direction and the −Z direction. The container-side electrical connecting structure140is placed on the inclined surface144sto be inclined at a location angle substantially parallel to the inclined surface144s. Accordingly, a normal vector of a contact surface between the surface141sof the substrate portion141and the terminal portion52thas a +Y direction vector component and a −Z direction vector component.

As described above, the substrate portion141is arranged such that its surface141sfaces in the −Z direction. In the case of electrical connection with the device-side electrical connecting structure52, the container-side electrical connecting structure140electrically comes into contact with the device-side electrical connecting structure52, while receiving at least a downward +Z direction force from the device-side electrical connecting structure52. This downward force provides the good contact between the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the device-side electrical connecting structure52and enhances the electrical connectivity of the container-side electrical connecting structure140.

According to the embodiment, the substrate portion141is arranged to be inclined as described above, so that its surface141salso faces in the +Y direction. When the first liquid container100ais moved in the +Y direction along with the first case61ato connect the container-side electrical connecting structure140with the device-side electrical connecting structure52, the force of moving the first case61ain the +Y direction is used to form the electrical connection between the container-side electrical connecting structure140with the device-side electrical connecting structure52. This accordingly enhances the electrical connectivity between the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the device-side electrical connecting structure52.

In the course of connection with the device-side electrical connecting structure52, the terminal portions52tof the device-side electrical connecting structure52move with rubbing against the contact surfaces of the terminals142of the container-side electrical connecting structure140. This enables foreign substances and the like adhering to the contact surfaces of the terminals142of the container-side electrical connecting structure140to be removed by the terminal portions52tof the device-side electrical connecting structure52and thereby further enhances the electrical connectivity of the container-side electrical connecting structure140.

Additionally when the first liquid container100ais taken out along with the first case61afrom the case placement unit60, movement of the first liquid container100ain the −Y direction is assisted by a force in the −Y direction received from the device-side electrical connecting structure52. This configuration simplifies the detachment of the first liquid container100a.

The substrate portion141is placed at a deep position of the substrate placement structure144(as shown inFIG. 16). The substrate portion141is placed between two wall portions145that are provided on the respective sides in the X direction and that are protruded in the −Z direction and in the +Y direction from the surface141sof the substrate portion141. These wall portions145serve as protection of the substrate portion141. For example, this configuration suppresses the user from mistakenly touching the substrate portion141and suppresses the substrate portion141from being damaged when the first liquid container100ais mistakenly dropped off.

Each of side wall surfaces146located on the respective sides in the X direction across the substrate portion141in the substrate placement structure144is provided with one guide recess147formed as a groove extended in the Y direction (as shown inFIG. 16). The guide recess147is open in the +Y direction. When the device-side electrical connecting structure52is connected with the container-side electrical connecting structure140, the guide projections52gprovided on the respective sides in the X direction of the device-side electrical connecting structure52are inserted in the −Y direction into the corresponding guide recesses147. This positions the substrate portion141relative to the device-side electrical connecting structure52.

First Receiving Portion and Second Receiving Portion

The first receiving portion150fand the second receiving portion150sare provided on the first surface portion121of the connection member120a(as shown inFIG. 15). When the first liquid container100ais mounted to the liquid ejection device10, the first receiving portion150freceives the first positioning element53f(shown inFIG. 5), whereas the second receiving portion150sreceives the second positioning element53s(shown inFIG. 5). This configuration appropriately defines the mounting position of the first liquid container100a.

According to the embodiment, the first receiving portion150fand the second receiving portion150sare formed as holes extended in the −Y direction and respectively have a first opening151fand a second opening151s(shown inFIG. 15). The respective openings151fand151sof the first receiving portion150fand the second receiving portion150srespectively receive insertion of the corresponding positioning elements53fand53sfrom the +Y direction side. According to the embodiment, the first opening151fof the first receiving portion150fand the second opening151sof the second receiving portion150shave different opening shapes. The details will be described later.

The first receiving portion150fis located on the −X direction side of the liquid outlet131(as shown inFIG. 15). In the first liquid container100a, the first receiving portion150fis provided at a lower corner on the −X direction side of the first surface portion121. The second receiving portion150sis, on the other hand, located on the +X direction side of the liquid outlet131. In the first liquid container100a, the second receiving portion150sis provided at a lower corner on the +X direction side of the first surface portion121.

According to the embodiment, the liquid outlet131is placed between the pair of receiving portions150fand150sin the X direction. This configuration enhances the positioning accuracy in the X direction of the liquid outlet131relative to the liquid introducing element51(shown inFIG. 5) when the first liquid container100ais mounted to the liquid ejection device10. This accordingly improves the connectivity between the liquid introducing element51and the liquid outlet131. According to the embodiment, the two receiving portions150fand150sare respectively provided at positions that at least partly overlap with guided elements165a(described later) provided on the same side in the X direction when the first liquid container100ais viewed in the Y direction. According to the embodiment, providing a large distance in the X direction between the pair of receiving portions150fand150sfurther enhances the positioning accuracy.

Fitting Structure Receiving Portion

The fitting structure receiving portion155is provided on the +X direction side of the liquid outlet131(as shown inFIG. 15). The fitting structure receiving portion155is provided at a position nearer to a +X direction side end at a +Y direction side end of the third surface portion123. The fitting structure receiving portion155is located on an opposite side to the container-side electrical connecting structure140in the X direction across the liquid outlet131. The fitting structure receiving portion155has a concave-convex structure including an array of a plurality of protrusions156in an approximately rectangular shape that are protruded to an identical height in the −Z direction and that are extended parallel to the −Y direction. An arrayed pattern in the X direction of the protrusions156and valleys157as concaves formed therebetween in the fitting structure receiving portion155is a reverse pattern of the arrayed pattern of the concave-convex structure in the fitting structure55(shown inFIG. 5) that is the object to the connected.

When the first liquid container100ais moved in the +Y direction to be connected with the corresponding first connection receiving portion50a, the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure receiving portion155is fitted for the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure55. In the case of an inadequate combination of the first liquid container100awith the first connection receiving portion50a, on the other hand, the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure receiving portion155is not fitted for the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure55. This configuration suppresses any non-corresponding wrong first liquid container100afrom being connected with the first connection receiving portion50a.

Other Components of Connection Member

Recess

A recess160that is recessed in the −Z direction is provided on the fourth surface portion124of the connection member120a(as shown inFIG. 15andFIG. 16). According to the embodiment, the recess160is formed in an approximately rectangular shape and is extended in the +Y direction to the first surface portion121to be open in the +Y direction. In the process of placing the first liquid container100ain the first case61a, a convex (described later) formed on a bottom surface of the first case61ais received in the recess160. The recess160is formed at a position that at least partly overlaps with the container-side electrical connecting structure140when being viewed in the Z direction. The reason of such overlap arrangement will be described later.

Fitting Concave

A pair of fitting concaves161are formed in the fourth surface portion124of the connection member120a(as shown inFIG. 15). The two fitting concaves161are arrayed in the X direction across the liquid outlet131. The two fitting concaves161are respectively formed at positions adjacent to the peripheral portion132of the liquid outlet131. According to the embodiment, the respective fitting concaves161are formed as concaves cut in the −Z direction. Like the recess160described above, the respective fitting concaves161are open in the +Y direction on the first surface portion121. In the process of placing the first liquid container100ain the first case61a, parts of rear wall portions203of the first case61aare inserted and fitted in the respective fitting concaves161(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 13). This configuration positions the liquid outlet131in the X direction relative to the first case61a.

Guided Element

The connection member120ais provided with two guided elements165a(as shown inFIG. 7,FIG. 9,FIG. 13andFIG. 15). In the process of placing the first liquid container100ain the first case61a, the respective guided elements165aare guided by corresponding guide elements208a(described later) provided in the first case61ato position the first liquid container100arelative to the first case61a(as shown inFIG. 13). In the state that the first liquid container100ais placed in the first case61a, the guide elements208aare fitted in the guided elements165a, so that the connection member120ais fixed to the first case61a(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 9).

In the first liquid container100a, one of the two guided elements165ais provided on the fifth surface portion125-side and the other on the sixth surface portion126-side of the connection member120a(as shown inFIG. 9). The two guided elements165aof the first liquid container100aare formed as concaves that are recessed in the X direction in the fifth surface portion125and in the sixth surface portion126(as shown inFIG. 15). According to the embodiment, the guided elements165aare grooves in an approximately semicircular shape in a horizontal cut surface (as shown inFIG. 9) and are formed over the length in the direction of the arrow Z in the respective surface portions125and126of the connection member120a(as shown inFIG. 15). A +Y direction side end portion of the guided element165ahas a chamfered shape. Each of the guided elements165aaccordingly has a planar portion165pincluding a flat surface facing in the −Y direction.

According to the embodiment, the two guided elements165aare formed to be arrayed in the X direction (as shown inFIG. 9). The two guided elements165aare formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the first connection member120ain the X direction. Each of the guided elements165ais located on the −Y direction side of the liquid outlet131, the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the fitting structure receiving portion155. The two guided elements165aare provided on the respective sides of the liquid outlet131in the X direction, so that the liquid outlet131is located between the two guided elements165ain the X direction. The container-side electrical connecting structure140is located in the X direction between the liquid outlet131and the guided element165aon the −X direction side. The fitting structure receiving portion155is located in the X direction between the liquid outlet131and the guided element165aon the +X direction side. The details of the configuration and the functions of the guided elements165will be described later.

Handle

The handle170ais a portion which the user holds, for example, when moving the first liquid container100a(as shown inFIG. 7,FIG. 9,FIG. 13andFIG. 15). According to the embodiment, the handle170ais produced by molding a resin material such as polypropylene. The handle170aincludes a grip portion171, two coupling portions172and173and two base end portions174and175. The grip portion171is a portion which the user grasps with a hand. The grip portion171is extended in the direction of the arrow X. According to the embodiment, the width in the X direction of the grip portion171is slightly smaller than the width in the X direction of the connection member120aand is slightly larger than the width in the X direction of the bag-like member110a(as shown inFIG. 9).

The two coupling portions172and173are extended from the respective end portions of the grip portion171in a direction intersecting with the X direction. The first coupling portion172couples a +X direction side end portion of the grip portion171with the first base end portion174. The second coupling portion173couples a −X direction side end portion of the grip portion171with the second base end portion175. The respective base end portions174and175are shaft-like portions in an approximately cylindrical shape and are protruded along the X direction to be opposed to each other. It is preferable that the grip portion171and the two coupling portions172and173are appropriately thinned with a view to weight reduction.

The first base end portion174is protruded in the −X direction at an end of the first coupling portion172, and the second base end portion175is protruded in the +X direction at an end of the second coupling portion173. The two base end portions174and175are respectively connected with fixation structures176that are provided on the third surface portion123of the connection member120a. The fixation structures176serve to fix the handle170ato the first connection member120ain a rotatable manner. According to the embodiment, the fixation structures176are formed as shaft holes extended in the X direction, and the respective base end portions174and175are inserted in the X direction in these shaft holes.

According to the embodiment, the two base end portions174and175are located between the two guided elements165ain the X direction. According to the embodiment, the two base end portions174and175are provided at positions overlapping with the two guided elements165ain the X direction. The distance in the X direction between the two base end portions174and175is shorter than the width in the X direction of the grip portion171(described later).

The handle170ais provided at an exposed position in the state that the first liquid container100ais placed in the first case61a. The handle170ais provided at a position that is visible and operable for the user.

The handle170ais operated by the user to rotate relative to the connection member120aas shown by an arrow R inFIG. 17. The handle170ais rotatable both in a direction from the bag-like member110a-side toward the first connection member120a-side and in a direction from the first connection member120a-side toward the bag-like member110a-side. A rotating axis RX as the center of rotation of the handle170amatches with center axes of the two base end portions174and175. According to the embodiment, the rotating axis RX intersects with the mounting direction of the first liquid container100ato the first connection receiving portion50a(i.e., the Y direction that is the opening direction of the liquid outlet131) and is along the X direction. According to the embodiment, the bag-like member110ais located on the opposite side of the liquid outlet131, the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the fitting structure receiving portion155across the rotating axis RX.

The handle170ais rotatable in the state that the first liquid container100ais placed in the first case61a. In the mounting state that the first liquid container100ais mounted to the liquid ejection device10, the handle170ais laid down toward the bag-like member110a-side to be set at a first position shown inFIG. 7. For example, in the case of carrying the first liquid container100a, the handle170ais rotated toward the connection member120a-side from the first position to be set at a second position (shown inFIG. 35).

Using the handle170aenhances the convenience in handling the first liquid container100a, for example, carrying the first liquid container100aand mounting and dismounting the first liquid container100ato and from the first case61a. More specifically, according to the embodiment, the handle170has the grip portion171extended in the X direction and is thus readily gripped by the user. The handle170is fixed to the connection member120at the two points, i.e., at the two base end portions174and175and is thereby stably rotatable. The configuration of the handle170according to the embodiment provides the high operability and enhances the handling performance of the liquid container100. The other details of the configuration and the functions of the handle170awill be described later.

First Case

The following description refers toFIGS. 7 to 14. The first case61ahas an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape having its longitudinal direction corresponding to the Y direction. The first case61ais formed as a hollow box-like body that is open in the −Z direction and in the +Y direction. The first case61ais made of, for example, a resin material such as polypropylene.

The first case61aincludes a bottom wall portion200, two side wall portions201and202, two rear wall portions203and a front wall portion205. The bottom wall portion200is a wall portion in an approximately rectangular shape that forms a bottom of the first case61a(as shown inFIG. 8andFIG. 10) and is extended in the X direction and in the Y direction. In the description hereof, the term “extending” means continuously extending in a certain direction without being divided. Concavity convexity bends, holes and joints may be provided in the middle of the extension. The first liquid container100ais placed on the bottom wall portion200(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 13). The bottom wall portion200has such a size that receives at least the entire bag-like member110ain the state that the first liquid container100ais placed.

The first side wall portion201is a wall portion in an approximately rectangular shape that intersects with and is coupled with a longer side on the −X direction side of the bottom wall portion200and forms a right side wall portion of the first case61a(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 8). The second side wall portion202is a wall portion in an approximately rectangular shape that intersects with and is coupled with a longer side on the +X direction side of the bottom wall portion200and forms a left side wall portion of the first case61a(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 11). The first side wall portion201and the second side wall portion202are arranged parallel to each other and are extended substantially over the entire length in the Y direction. The first side wall portion201and the second side wall portion202are located across the bag-like member110aof the first liquid container100ain the X direction and serve to define the location angle in a direction along a horizontal plane of the bag-like member110ain a direction along the Y direction.

The heights of the first side wall portion201and the second side wall portion202are substantially identical with the height of the third surface portion123of the connection member120aof the first liquid container100a(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 11). According to the embodiment, part of the handle170aat the first position is protruded from upper ends of the first side wall portion201and the second side wall portion202when the first mounting body105ais viewed in the direction of the arrow X (as shown inFIG. 11).

The two rear wall portions203stand in the −Z direction at a +Y direction side end of the bottom wall portion200(as shown inFIG. 13). The respective rear wall portions203are provided on the respective ends in the X direction and are respectively coupled with the two side wall portions201and202on the same sides in the X direction. In the state that the first liquid container100ais placed, the liquid outlet131and its peripheral portion132are located between the two rear wall portions203(as shown inFIG. 7). Parts of the rear wall portions203are inserted and fitted in the respective fitting concaves161formed on the respective sides in the X direction of the liquid outlet131to close the respective fitting concaves161. The peripheral portion132is slightly protruded in the +Y direction from the two rear wall portions203(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 9).

The two rear wall portions203are lower than the respective side wall portions201and202(as shown inFIG. 13). The two rear wall portions203are formed to cover lower portions of the connection member120athat are below the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the fitting structure receiving portion155in the state that the first liquid container100ais placed in the first case61a(as shown inFIG. 7). The rear wall portions203are provided with through holes203hat positions corresponding to the first receiving portion150fand the second receiving portion150sto receive insertion of the respective positioning elements53fand53s(as shown inFIG. 13).

The front wall portion205is extended in the X direction and in the Z direction at a −Y direction side end of the bottom wall portion200and is coupled with the bottom wall portion200and the two side wall portions201and202(as shown inFIG. 7). The front wall portion205is higher than the two side wall portions201and202(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 11). This configuration facilitates the user to catch the front wall portion205with fingers when drawing out the first case61afrom the case placement unit60. The handle170aat the first position is covered and hidden by the front wall portion205when the first mounting body105ais viewed in the Y direction (as shown inFIG. 12). Such space-saving arrangement of the handle170asuppresses the handle170afrom disturbing mounting and dismounting of the first mounting body105ato and from the case placement unit60.

The two guide elements208aprotruded in the −Z direction are provided on a bottom surface200sof the first case61athat is a surface of the bottom wall portion200facing in the −Z direction (as shown inFIG. 13). As described above, the two guide elements208aare respectively fitted in the two corresponding guided elements165aprovided in the connection member120aof the first liquid container100a(as shown inFIG. 7). This configuration positions the first liquid container100aon the first case61aand suppresses misalignment of the location position of the first liquid container100a, for example, rotation in a direction along the horizontal direction.

In the first case61a, the guide elements208aare integrated with the respective side wall portions201and202(as shown inFIG. 13). The guide elements208aare formed as projections that are protruded from the respective side wall portions201and202toward the location area of the connection member120a. According to the embodiment, the guide elements208aare formed in a semicylindrical shape. It is preferable that inside of the respective guide elements208is thinned with a view to reducing the weight of the first case61a.

A +Y direction side end portion of the guide element208ahas a chamfered shape. The guide element208aaccordingly has a planar portion208pincluding a flat surface facing in the +Y direction. When the guide elements208aare fitted in the guided elements165a, the planar portions208pof the guide elements208aare in surface contact with the planar portions165pof the guided elements165a(as shown inFIG. 7). When a load in the −Y direction is applied to the first liquid container100aplaced in the first case61a, the contact between the planar portion165pand the planar portion208pthat are opposed to each other in the Y direction stabilizes the position of the first liquid container100a.

The height in the Z direction of each guide element208ais substantially equal to the thickness in the Z direction of the first connection member120a. Accordingly in the state that the first liquid container100ais placed in the first case61a, the respective guide elements208aare placed over the entire height direction in the corresponding guided elements165a. This configuration enables the planar portion165pand the planar portion208pthat are opposed to each other in the Y direction to readily come into contact with each other when a load in the −Y direction is applied to the first liquid container100aplaced in the first case61a. This configuration accordingly enhances the position stability of the first liquid container100a.

Additionally, the first case61ais provided with a projection210protruded in the −Z direction at a +Y direction side end on the bottom surface200sof the bottom wall portion200(as shown inFIG. 13). The projection210is located at a position on the −X direction side of a center portion in the X direction. According to the embodiment, the projection210is formed in a rectangular shape. The projection210is formed to be hollow. An inner space211of the projection210will be described later. The projection210is received in the recess160of the connection member120adescribed above (shown inFIG. 16) when the first liquid container100ais placed in the first case61a.

According to the embodiment, when the projection210is received in the recess160, an outer wall surface of the projection210is in surface contact with an inner wall surface of the recess160. Accordingly, the projection210is fitted in the recess160. According to the embodiment, the projection210and the recess160accordingly serve as a positioning structure of the connection member120ain the first case61a.

As described above, according to the embodiment, at least part of the container-side electrical connecting structure140is placed above the recess160. In the first mounting body105a, at least part of the container-side electrical connecting structure140is placed above the projection210. Accordingly even in the case of leakage of the liquid to the bottom surface200sof the first case61a, the projection210suppresses the liquid from flowing along the wall surface of the first case61aand reaching the container-side electrical connecting structure140.

A plurality of linear thin grooves extended in the Y direction (not shown) are arrayed parallel to each other in the X direction on a −Z direction side surface of the bottom wall portion200. The thin grooves serve to guide the movement of the bag-like member110aof the first liquid container100asliding on the surface of the bottom wall portion200in the Y direction.

Steps214that increase the height in a stepwise manner in the −Z direction are provided at a corner between the bottom wall portion200and the first side wall portion201, at a corner between the bottom wall portion200and the second side wall portion202, and at a corner between the bottom wall portion200and the front wall portion205(as shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 13). When the first liquid container100ais placed in the first case61a, the steps214are in contact with the outer circumferential edge113of the bag-like member110ato support the outer circumferential edge113of the bag-like member110a. This configuration stabilizes the location position of the bag-like member110aon the first case61a.

According to the embodiment, in the first liquid container100a, only the location position of the connection member120ais fixed on the first case61a, and the bag-like member110aother than its +Y direction side end is substantially not bound to the first case61a. The bag-like member110ais placed on the first case61ain such a state that the bag-like member110ais allowed to move in a direction away from the first case61a. The configuration that the first liquid container100ais not unnecessarily bound to the first case61asimplifies mounting and dismounting of the first liquid container100ato and from the first case61a. This configuration also suppresses any extra load other than the gravity from being applied to the bag-like member110aand thereby suppresses the pressure condition in the containing portion115inside of the bag-like member110from being deteriorated by the extra load.

The configuration of the lower surface side of the bottom wall portion200is described with reference toFIG. 8andFIG. 10. A groove215is provided at a +Y direction side end on a +Z direction side surface of the bottom wall portion200. According to the embodiment, the groove215is defined and formed by a rib216. The groove215forms a case-side fixation structure220. A +Y direction side end of the groove215is formed by the inner space211of the projection210described above. More specifically the inner space211of the projection210forms part of the case-side fixation structure220and is included in the case-side fixation structure220. The inner space211of the projection210is open in the +Y direction and forms an inlet of the groove215(case-side fixation structure220).

The case-side fixation structure220serves in cooperation with the device-side fixation structure54(shown inFIG. 5) to restrict the movement of the first case61ain the Y direction. The case-side fixation structure220is provided with an engaged element (described later) that is engaged with the protrusion54p(engagement element54p) of the device-side fixation structure54in the case placement state that the first case61ais placed in a predetermined location area LA of the case placement unit60(shown inFIG. 3). The engagement of the protrusion54pwith the engaged element restricts the movement of the first case61ain the −Y direction. According to the embodiment, the groove215forming the case-side fixation structure220is configured to have a heart cam groove structure that is a looped groove structure described later. The configuration of the case-side fixation structure220and the mechanism of engagement between the engaged element of the case-side fixation structure220and the protrusion54p(engagement element54p) of the device-side fixation structure54will be described later.

A plurality of rail ribs230and a plurality of legs231are also provided on the +Z direction side surface of the bottom wall portion200. The rail ribs230are formed as convex wall portions protruded in the +Z direction and are linearly extended at substantially fixed widths in the Y direction. As described above, the rail ribs230are fitted in the rail grooves64provided in the bottom surface of the case placement unit60to guide the movement of the first case61ain the Y direction. The plurality of legs231are protruded in the +Z direction and respectively have an identical height (a shown inFIG. 12). The plurality of legs231serve to appropriately keep the location position of the first case61ain the location area LA of the case placement unit60(shown inFIG. 3).

Second Mounting Body: Second Liquid Container and Second Case

The following first describes the schematic configuration of the second liquid container100band subsequently describes the schematic configuration of the second case61b. In the description below and the drawings referred to, the components that are identical with or correspond to the various components of the first liquid container100aand the first case61adescribed above are expressed by the same reference signs or by the reference signs including the same numerals with different alphabet suffixes. The components in the second liquid container100bor in the second case61bexpressed by these corresponding reference signs have similar functions to those of the corresponding components in the first liquid container100aor in the first case61a. The various advantageous effects described above with reference to the first liquid container100aand the first case61aare thus achieved by such corresponding components in the second liquid container100band the second case61b. The same applies to other embodiments other than the first embodiment and modifications described later.

The following description refers toFIGS. 17 to 24.FIG. 17is a schematic perspective view illustrating the second mounting body105bviewed from above.FIG. 18is a schematic perspective view illustrating the second mounting body105bviewed from below.FIG. 19is a schematic diagram illustrating an upper surface side of the second mounting body105bwhen the second mounting body105bis viewed in the +Z direction.FIG. 20is a schematic diagram illustrating a lower surface side of the second mounting body105bwhen the second mounting body105bis viewed in the −Z direction.FIG. 21is a schematic diagram illustrating a left side surface side of the second mounting body105bwhen the second mounting body105bis viewed in the −X direction.FIG. 22is a schematic diagram illustrating a front surface side of the second mounting body105b(i.e., a rear end side in the mounting direction) when the second mounting body105bis viewed in the +Y direction.FIG. 23is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the second liquid container100btaken out from the second case61bwhen being viewed from below.FIG. 24is a schematic diagram illustrating a rear surface side of the second mounting body105b(i.e., a front end side in the mounting direction) when the second mounting body105bis viewed in the −Y direction. For the purpose of comparison, the first mounting body105aviewed in the same direction is illustrated in the lower part ofFIG. 24. Center axes CL in the X direction of the respective mounting bodies105aand105bare shown by the one-dot chain line inFIG. 24.

Second Liquid Container

The second liquid container100bhas a substantially similar configuration to that of the first liquid container100aexcept the configuration described below (as shown inFIG. 17,FIG. 19andFIG. 23). The second liquid container100bhas a larger width in the X direction than the width of the first liquid container100a, with a view to increasing the capacity of the liquid compared with the first liquid container100a.

Like the first liquid container100a, the second liquid container100bincludes a bag-like member110band a connection member120b(as shown inFIG. 17,FIG. 19andFIG. 23). The bag-like member110bof the second liquid container100bhas a substantially similar configuration to that of the bag-like member110aof the first liquid container100a, except a larger width in the X direction.

The connection member120bof the second liquid container100bhas a substantially similar configuration to that of the connection member120aof the first liquid container100aexcept the configuration described below (as shown inFIG. 23andFIG. 24). The connection member120bhas respective end portions in the X direction that are respectively protruded in the +X direction and in the −X direction according to the width in the X direction of the bag-like member110b, compared with the connection member120aof the first liquid container100a. The width in the X direction of the connection member120bis slightly larger than the width in the X direction of the bag-like member110b, and respective corners on the −Y direction side of the connection member120bare held by the connection member120b(as shown inFIG. 19).

The location layout of the respective components on a +Y direction side end of the connection member120bof the second liquid container100bfor connection with the second connection receiving portion50bis substantially similar to that of the connection member120aof the first liquid container100a(as shown inFIG. 24). The positions of the respective components (the container-side electrical connecting structure140, the two receiving portions150fand150s, the fitting structure receiving portion155, the recess160and the fitting concave161) relative to the liquid outlet131are common to the two different connection members120aand120b.

The two guided elements165bare provided on respective sides in the X direction of the second connection member120b(as shown inFIG. 17,FIG. 19andFIG. 23). The two guided elements165bare provided as through holes pierced through the connection member120bin the Z direction at positions nearer to the respective ends in the X direction of the connection member120b(as shown inFIG. 23).

The guided element165bhas an approximately circular opening section on a horizontal cut surface (as shown inFIG. 19). A +Y direction side end portion of the guided element165ahas a chamfered shape. A planar portion165pincluding a flat surface facing in the −Y direction is accordingly formed at the +Y direction side end portion of the guided element165a(as shown inFIG. 19andFIG. 23). According to the embodiment, the two guided elements165bof the second connection member120brespectively have portions substantially similar to the shape of the corresponding guided elements165aof the first connection member120a, at positions corresponding to the corresponding guided elements165aof the first connection member120a.

The guided elements165bare located on the −Y direction side of the liquid outlet131, the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the fitting structure receiving portion155(as shown inFIG. 17,FIG. 19andFIG. 23). The two guided elements165bare provided to be arrayed in the X direction (as shown inFIG. 19). The two guided elements165bare formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the second connection member120bin the X direction. The other details of the guided elements165bwill be described later.

A handle170bis provided on the third surface portion123of the second connection member120b(as shown inFIG. 17). The handle170bof the second connection member120bhas a substantially similar configuration to that of the handle170aof the first liquid container except a greater length in the X direction of a grip portion171.

Like the handle170a, the handle170bis operated by the user to rotate about the axis RX along the X direction as shown by an arrow R (shown inFIG. 17) and to be set at a first position or at a second position. The width in the X direction of the grip portion171of the handle170bis slightly smaller than the width in the X direction of the connection member120band is slightly larger than the width in the X direction of the bag-like member110b. Two base end portions174and175of the handle170bare located between the two guided elements165bin the X direction. The distance between the two base end portions174and175of the handle170bis substantially equal to the distance between the two base end portions174and175in the first liquid container100a.

As described above, the connection member120bof the second liquid container100bhas only a little change from the connection member120aof the first liquid container100a. This configuration allows common components to be used and thereby reduces the manufacturing cost. The second connection receiving portion50bcorresponding to the connection member120bof the second liquid container100balso has a substantially similar configuration to that of the first connection receiving portion50acorresponding to the connection member120aof the first liquid container100a. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the connection members120.

In the description below, the bag-like member110aof the first liquid container100aand the bag-like member110bof the second liquid container100bare collectively called “bag-like member110” unless there is a need to distinguish the bag-like members110aand110bfrom each other. Similarly the connection members120aand120b, the guided elements165aand165band the handles170aand170bare collectively called “connection member120”, “guided element165” and “handle170”, respectively.

Second Case

The second case61bhas a substantially similar configuration to that of the first case61aexcept the configuration described below. The second case61bhas a width in the X direction that is changed corresponding to the width in the X direction of the second liquid container100b(as shown inFIG. 17andFIG. 24). In the second case61b, a first side wall portion201and a second side wall portion202are provided at positions respectively protruded in the +X direction and in the −X direction, compared with the first case61a(as shown inFIG. 24). In the second case61b, a rear wall portion203(shown inFIG. 24) and a front wall portion205(shown inFIG. 22) are respectively extended in the X direction, compared with the first case61a.

The second case61bis provided with two guide elements208bcorresponding to the guided elements165bof the second connection member120b(as shown inFIG. 17,FIG. 19andFIG. 23). In the second case61b, each of the two guide elements208bare protruded in the −Z direction from a bottom surface200sof a bottom wall portion200at positions away from the first side wall portion201and the second side wall portion202(as shown inFIG. 23). According to the embodiment, the respective guide elements208bare in an approximately cylindrical shape. It is preferable that inside of the respective guide elements208bis thinned.

A +Y direction side curved surface of each guide element208bhas a chamfered shape. The guide element208baccordingly has a planar portion208pincluding a flat surface facing in the +Y direction (as shown inFIG. 19andFIG. 23). As in the case of the first mounting body105a, in the second mounting body105b, when the guide element208bis fitted in the guided element165b, the planar portion208pof the guide element208bis in surface contact with the planar portion165pof the guided element165b(as shown inFIG. 17andFIG. 19).

The height in the Z direction of each guide element208bis substantially equal to the thickness in the Z direction of the second connection member120b. Accordingly in the state that the second liquid container100bis placed in the second case61b, the respective guide elements208bpass through the corresponding guided elements165b(as shown inFIG. 17). This configuration enables the planar portion165p(shown inFIG. 19) and the planar portion208p(shown inFIG. 19) that are opposed to each other in the Y direction to readily come into contact with each other when a load in the −Y direction is applied to the second liquid container100bplaced in the second case61b. This configuration accordingly enhances the position stability of the second liquid container100b.

In the description below, the guide elements208aof the first liquid container100aand the guide elements208bof the second liquid container100bare collectively called “guide elements208” unless there is a need to distinguish the guide elements208aand208bfrom each other.

Mounting Mechanism of Liquid Container

The following describes the mounting mechanism of the liquid container100to the connection receiving portion50with reference toFIG. 25. The upper part ofFIG. 25illustrates the first liquid container100aplaced in the first case61awhen being viewed in the −Y direction. The lower part ofFIG. 25illustrates part of the first connection receiving portion50aviewed in the −Z direction to be corresponded to the first liquid container100ashown in the upper part. The following description is common to mounting of the first liquid container100ato the first connection receiving portion50aand mounting of the second liquid container100bto the second connection receiving portion50b.

In the case placement unit60(shown inFIG. 3), when the liquid container100placed in the case61is moved in the +Y direction toward the location area LA, the pair of positioning elements53fand53sof the connection receiving portion50are first inserted into the pair of receiving portions150fand150sof the liquid container100, so as to position the liquid outlet131of the liquid container100.

The liquid introducing element51of the connection receiving portion50is subsequently inserted into the liquid outlet131of the liquid container100, so that the liquid outlet131of the liquid container100is connected with the liquid introducing element51of the connection receiving portion50. Before the connection of the liquid outlet131with the liquid introducing element51is fully completed, the peripheral portion132provided in the periphery of the liquid outlet131comes into contact with the base end member57provided in the periphery of the liquid introducing element51. The liquid container100and the case61are pressed in the +Y direction until the connection of the liquid outlet131with the liquid introducing element51is completed, so that the base end member57is displayed in the +Y direction. The liquid container100is biased in the −Y direction by the biasing member57e(shown inFIG. 5) provided inside of the base end member57.

In parallel with the connection of the liquid outlet131with the liquid introducing element51described above, the device-side electrical connecting structure52of the connection receiving portion50is connected with the container-side electrical connecting structure140of the liquid container100. The pair of guide projections52g(shown inFIG. 5) of the device-side electrical connecting structure52are first inserted into the corresponding guide recesses147. This positions the substrate portion141of the container-side electrical connecting structure140relative to the device-side electrical connecting structure52. The terminal portions52tof the device-side electrical connecting structure52are subsequently inserted into the substrate placement structure144of the liquid container100to electrically come into contact with the corresponding terminals142of the substrate portion141. On completion of the connection between the liquid outlet131and the liquid introducing element51, the electrical connection is also established between the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the device-side electrical connecting structure52.

The device-side fixation structure54of the connection receiving portion50is inserted into the inner space211of the projection210that forms the inlet of the groove215of the case61, prior to insertion of the pair of positioning elements53fand53sinto the pair of receiving portions150fand150s. On completion of the connection between the liquid outlet131and the liquid introducing element51, the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54is engaged with the engaged element of the case-side fixation structure220of the case61(shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 20) by an engagement mechanism described later. The state that the position of the case61is fixed in the predetermined location area LA (shown inFIG. 3) in the case61is expressed as “the case placement state that the case61is mounted to the case placement unit60”.

In the liquid container100of the embodiment, the container-side electrical connecting structure140is located between the liquid outlet131and the first receiving portion150fin the X direction. Accordingly the pair of positioning elements53fand53sand the pair of receiving portions150fand150s, along with the liquid outlet131, serve to enhance the positioning accuracy in the X direction of container-side electrical connecting structure140relative to the device-side electrical connecting structure52.

In the liquid container100of the embodiment, the recess160that defines the inner space211serving as the inlet portion of the case-side fixation structure220is located between the liquid outlet131and the first receiving portion150fin the X direction. The pair of positioning elements53fand53sand the pair of receiving portions150fand150saccordingly guide the movement of the device-side fixation structure54in the Y direction after the insertion of the device-side fixation structure54in the groove215and enhances the positioning accuracy of the device-side fixation structure54relative to the case-side fixation structure220.

Additionally in the liquid container100of the embodiment, the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the recess160are provided between the liquid outlet131and the first receiving portion150fas described above. This configuration increases the distance in the X direction between the pair of receiving portions150fand150s. This configuration thus further enhances the positioning accuracy by the pair of positioning elements53fand53sand the pair of receiving portions150fand150s.

As described above, in the liquid container100of the embodiment, the first opening151fof the first receiving portion150fand the second opening151sof the second receiving portion150shave different opening shapes. An opening width W2in the X direction of the second opening151sis larger than an opening width W1in the X direction of the first opening151f. This configuration provides a margin for an angle in the horizontal direction of the second positioning element53srelative to the Y direction in the case of insertion of the second positioning element53sinto the second receiving portion150s. This facilitates the operation of connecting the liquid container100with the connection receiving portion50. Providing such a margin reduces the stress generated by insertion of the second positioning element53sinto the second receiving portion150sin the process of connecting the liquid container100with the connection receiving portion50. According to the embodiment, the opening width in the Z direction of the first opening151fand the opening width in the Z direction of the second opening151sare substantially equal to each other. The opening width in the Z direction of the first opening151fand the opening width in the Z direction of the second opening151smay however, be different from each other.

Engagement Mechanism of Device-Side Fixation Structure with Case-Side Fixation Structure

The engagement mechanism of the device-side fixation structure54with the case-side fixation structure220of the case61is described with reference toFIG. 26AandFIG. 26B.FIG. 26AandFIG. 26Brespectively illustrate the case-side fixation structure220when being viewed in the −Z direction. InFIG. 26AandFIG. 26B, positions P1to P6of the protrusion54pat different timings are shown by the broken line, in order to indicate the movement locus of the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54in the groove215.

The configuration of the case-side fixation structure220is described first with reference toFIG. 26A. The case-side fixation structure220includes a middle projection221that is protruded in the +Z direction at the center in an inner area on the −Y direction side of the inner space211of the projection210. An outer circumferential wall surface of the middle projection221forms an outer circumferential contour in an approximately triangular shape when being viewed in the Z direction. The inside of the middle projection221is thinned.

The outer circumferential wall surface of the middle projection221includes a first wall surface222, a second wall surface223and a third wall surface224. The first wall surface222is extended diagonally between the X direction and the Y direction. At least part of the first wall surface222is arranged to overlap with the inner space211in the Y direction. The second wall surface223is extended in the X direction and is arranged to intersect with the first wall surface222. The third wall surface224is extended in the Y direction and is arranged to intersect with the first wall surface222and the second wall surface223. The third wall surface224is arranged to overlap with the inner space211of the projection210in the Y direction.

The middle projection221includes a first protruded wall portion225and a second protruded wall portion226. The first protruded wall portion225is slightly extended in the −Y direction from the second wall surface223along the extending direction of the first wall surface222from the second wall surface223at a −X direction side end of the second wall surface223. The second protruded wall portion226serves as an engaged element. In the description below, the second protruded wall portion226may also be called engaged element226. The second protruded wall portion226is slightly extended in the −Y direction from the second wall surface223along the extending direction of the third wall surface224at a +X direction side end of the second wall surface223.

The case-side fixation structure220further includes a third protruded wall portion227. The third protruded wall portion227is formed as part of the rib216. The third protruded wall portion227is protruded in the +Y direction from the rib216toward the second wall surface223at a position opposed to the second wall surface223of the middle projection221in the Y direction.

For the purpose of illustration, the groove215is divided into a first groove part215A, a second groove part215B, a third groove part215C and a fourth groove part215D. The first groove part215A is a portion that is formed by the inner space211and that is extended in the Y direction. The second groove part215B is a portion that faces the first wall surface222and that is extended diagonally between the X direction and the Y direction. The third groove part215C includes a portion facing the second wall surface223and is a portion formed in a substantially zigzag meandering shape in the X direction by the three protruded wall portions225to227. The fourth groove part215D is a portion that faces the third wall surface224and that is extended in the +Y direction toward the first groove part215A.

A first bottom surface228A that is a bottom of the first groove part215A forms an inclined surface that gradually rises in the +Z direction toward the −Y direction. A second bottom surface228B that is a bottom of a portion of the second groove part215B coupled with the first groove part215A forms an approximately horizontal surface. A third bottom surface228C that is located at the approximate center of the second groove part215B forms an inclined surface that falls in the −Z direction from the second bottom surface228B. A fourth bottom surface228D that includes a bottom of a −Y direction side end portion of the second groove part215B and a bottom of the third groove part215C forms an approximately horizontal surface. A fifth bottom surface228E that is a bottom of the fourth groove part215D forms an inclined surface that rises more in the +Z direction from the fourth bottom surface228D toward the +Y direction side. A sixth bottom surface228F that is a bottom between the first bottom surface228A and the fifth bottom surface228E forms an approximately horizontal surface.

The mechanism to complete the engagement of the second protruded wall portion226(engaged element226) of the case-side fixation structure220with the protrusion54p(engagement element) of the device-side fixation structure54is described with reference toFIG. 26A. At the time when the leading end54tof the device-side fixation structure54is inserted in the −Y direction into the first groove part215A, a +X direction side end face of the leading end54tcomes into contact with a +X direction side wall surface229of the first groove part215A, and the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54is located at a position (P1) away from the side wall surface229. In this state, the end face of the leading end54tis pressed in the −X direction by the side wall surface229, so that the device-side fixation structure54is rotated in the −X direction, compared with the state that no external force in the horizontal direction is applied. The protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54comes into contact with the first bottom surface228A that is the inclined surface, and is pressed in the +Z direction by the first bottom surface228A in the course of moving in the −Y direction from the position P1.

When the liquid container100is further pressed in the +Y direction, the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54is pressed in the +Z direction by the first bottom surface228A, and the leading end54tof the device-side fixation structure54is located on the +Z direction side of a +Z direction side end face of the rib216to be separated from the rib216. The protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54then comes into contact with the first wall surface222and rides over the horizontal second bottom surface228B (position P2).

While being pressed in the −X direction by the first wall surface222, the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54moves in the −Y direction along the first wall surface222, reaches the horizontal third bottom surface228C and further reaches to a position to come into contact with the first protruded wall portion225(position P3). The protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54further moves in the −Y direction to release the contact with the first protruded wall portion225. The protrusion54pis then instantaneously moved in the +X direction by the biasing force applied to the device-side fixation structure54in the +X direction and collides against the third protruded wall portion227(position P4). This collision generates a click.

When the user releases the force applied to the liquid container100and the case61in the +Y direction in response to this clock, the liquid container100and the case61slightly move in the −Y direction by the biasing force in the −Y direction by the base end member57(shown inFIG. 25). The protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54accordingly moves in the +Y direction along the third protruded wall portion227to release the contact with the third protruded wall portion227. The protrusion54pis then instantaneously moved in the +X direction by the biasing force applied to the device-side fixation structure54in the +X direction and collides against the second wall surface223and the second protruded wall portion226to be received by the second wall surface223and the second protruded wall portion226(position P5).

Accordingly, at the position P5, the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54is locked by the second protruded wall portion226of the case-side fixation structure220, so that the second protruded wall portion226of the case-side fixation structure220is engaged with the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54. In the description below, the second protruded wall portion226may also be called “locking element226” as well as “engaged element226”. The engagement between the second protruded wall portion226of the case-side fixation structure220and the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54restricts the movement of the case61in the −Y direction and sets the case61in the case placement state that the case61is mounted to the case placement unit60. In this state, the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54is in contact with the fourth bottom surface228D. As described above, the device-side fixation structure54is biased in the −Z direction by the elastic member (not shown) placed inside of the connection receiving portion50and is elastically rotated in the +Z direction when an external force is applied in the +Z direction. The biasing force in the −Z direction is transmitted through the protrusion54pto the fourth bottom surface228D (shown inFIG. 26A). Accordingly, in the case placement state that the case61is mounted to the case placement unit60, the protrusion54papplies a force to the case61in the −Z direction.

In the case placement state that the engaged element226of the case-side fixation structure220is engaged with the engagement element54pof the device-side fixation structure54, the container-side electrical connecting structure140is electrically connected with the device-side electrical connecting structure52, and the container-side electrical connecting structure140receives a force in at least the +Z direction from the device-side electrical connecting structure52. As described above, in the liquid container100of the embodiment, the recess160and the container-side electrical connecting structure140have a positional relationship of at least partly overlapping with each other when being viewed in the Z direction. The projection210of the case61is received in the recess160. The inner space211of the projection210forms at least part of the case-side fixation structure220. At least part of the force in the +Z direction which the container-side electrical connecting structure140receives from the device-side electrical connecting structure52is cancelled out by the force in the −Z direction which the case61receives from the protrusion54p. This configuration reduces a Z direction component of the force which the liquid container100receives on the +Y direction side and suppresses the location position in the Z direction of the liquid container100from being deviated from an expected proper position. Accordingly this suppresses deterioration of the location position of the liquid container100relative to the connection receiving portion50and improves the connection. This also suppresses a useless stress from being generated in a connecting portion of the connection receiving portion50and the liquid container100due to the deterioration of the location position of the liquid container100and thereby suppresses the above various components involved in the connection of the connection receiving portion50with the liquid container100from being damaged or deteriorated.

The mechanism of releasing the engagement of the case-side fixation structure220with the device-side fixation structure54is described with reference toFIG. 26B. In the liquid ejection device10of the embodiment, the case-side fixation structure220and the device-side fixation structure54that are engaged with each other are configured to release the engagement when the case61is further pressed in the +Y direction. When the user presses the case61in the +Y direction, the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54moves in the −Y direction from the position P5and is released from the locked state with the second protruded wall portion226in the +X direction. Accordingly, the protrusion54pis instantaneously moved in the +X direction by the biasing force that is applied in the +X direction to the device-side fixation structure54by the biasing member and collides against the +X-direction side wall surface229of the rib216(position P6).

The protrusion54pis accordingly located in the fourth groove part215D and is thus allowed to move in the +Y direction. In other words, the engagement between the case-side fixation structure220and the device-side fixation structure54is released. The click generated by the collision of the rib216against the protrusion54pdescribed above informs the user of the release of the engagement between the case-side fixation structure220and the device-side fixation structure54. When the protrusion54pis allowed to move in the +Y direction, the liquid container100and the case61automatically move in the −Y direction by the force applied in the −Y direction by the base end member57(shown inFIG. 25). After the base end member57is separated from the connection receiving portion50, the user is allowed to draw out the case61and thereby take out the liquid container100. As understood from the above description, the groove215forms a loop-shaped guide path to guide the protrusion54p. The guide path has a common inlet portion and outlet portion. The guide path is formed by the locking element226provided in the middle thereof to lock the protrusion54p, an inlet guide path and an outlet guide path. The inlet guide path is a path portion from the above inlet portion to the engagement element226. The outlet guide path is a path portion from the engagement element226to the above outlet portion.

Details of Configurations and Functions of Engaged Element and Engagement Element

The following description refers toFIG. 27A,FIG. 27BandFIG. 28.FIG. 27Ais a schematic diagram illustrating a leading end side in the mounting direction of the first mounting body105awhen being viewed in the +Z direction.FIG. 27Bis a schematic diagram illustrating a leading end side in the mounting direction of the second mounting body105bwhen being viewed in the +Z direction.FIG. 28is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the sectional configuration of the mounting body105, taken along lines28-28respectively shown inFIG. 27AandFIG. 27B. The location area of the substrate portion141and the inclined surface144swhich the substrate portion141is placed on when being viewed in the −X direction are shown by the broken line inFIG. 28.

As described above, in the mounting body105, the two guided elements165are arrayed in the X direction that is the longitudinal direction of the connection member120(as shown inFIG. 27AandFIG. 27B). This configuration suppresses the liquid container100from rotating and moving in a direction along the bottom surface200sof the bottom wall portion200on the case61. This accordingly suppresses deterioration of the connection between the connection member120and the connection receiving portion50due to a change in position of the liquid container100.

According to the embodiment, the liquid outlet131is located between the two guided elements165in the X direction. In the liquid ejection device10, even when the position of the mounting body105is changed such that the array direction of the two guided elements165is deviated relative to the X direction, this configuration suppresses a positional misalignment of the liquid outlet131relative to the liquid introducing element51of the connection receiving portion50. This accordingly suppresses deterioration of the connection between the liquid introducing element51and the liquid outlet131due to a change in position of the liquid container100. This also suppresses a stress from being generated at the position of the contact between the liquid introducing element51and the liquid outlet131due to this change in position and thereby suppresses the liquid introducing element51and the liquid outlet131from being damaged and deteriorated.

According to the embodiment, the container-side electrical connecting structure140is located between the two guided elements165in the X direction. In the liquid ejection device10, even when the position of the mounting body105is changed such that the array direction of the two guided elements165is deviated relative to the X direction, this configuration suppresses a positional misalignment of the container-side electrical connecting structure140relative to the device-side electrical connecting structure52of the connection receiving portion50. This accordingly suppresses deterioration of the connection between the device-side electrical connecting structure52and the container-side electrical connecting structure140due to a change in position of the liquid container100. This also suppresses a stress from being generated at the position of the contact between the device-side electrical connecting structure52and the container-side electrical connecting structure140due to this change in position and thereby suppresses the device-side electrical connecting structure52and the container-side electrical connecting structure140from being damaged and deteriorated.

Additionally according to the embodiment, the container-side electrical connecting structure140is located between the guided element165on the −X direction side out of the two guided elements165and the liquid outlet131in the X direction. The container-side electrical connecting structure140is accordingly positioned by the three points, i.e., the two guided elements165and the liquid outlet131. This configuration further suppresses the location position of the liquid container100from rotating relative to the device-side electrical connecting structure52. This further suppresses deterioration of the connection between the device-side electrical connecting structure52and the container-side electrical connecting structure140.

Especially, according to the embodiment, the two guided elements165are arranged on the −Y direction side of the liquid outlet131. More specifically, the liquid outlet131is located at a position away from a virtual straight line of connecting the two guided elements165, and the liquid outlet131and the two guided elements165are arranged to be away from each other in the two directions, X direction and Y direction. This configuration enhances the stability of the location position of the liquid container100by the three-point support of the two guided elements165and the liquid outlet131and further increases the positioning accuracy of the container-side electrical connecting structure140. The two guided elements165are also arranged on the −Y direction side of the container-side electrical connecting structure140. Accordingly, the container-side electrical connecting structure140is supported by the guide element208fitted in the guided element165on the +Y direction side in the course of connection of the container-side electrical connecting structure140with the device-side electrical connecting structure52. This suppresses a positional misalignment of the container-side electrical connecting structure140along the Y direction due to a load applied from the device-side electrical connecting structure52. According to the embodiment, the liquid outlet131and the container-side electrical connecting structure140are collected on the +Y direction side end of the connection member120. This configuration allows for downsizing of the connection member120. This configuration also facilitates the connection of the liquid outlet131with the liquid introducing element51and the connection of the container-side electrical connecting structure140with the device-side electrical connecting structure52.

According to the embodiment, the container-side electrical connecting structure140is provided at a position nearer to the guided element165on the −X direction side than the center in the X direction of the liquid container100. This configuration enables the container-side electrical connecting structure140to be positioned on the case61with the higher accuracy by positioning the liquid container100relative to the case61by insertion of the guide elements208into the guided elements165. This enhances the connectivity of the container-side electrical connecting structure140with the device-side electrical connecting structure52. According to the embodiment, the container-side electrical connecting structure140is provided at a position that is away from the liquid outlet131in the X direction and that is away from the two guided elements165in the Y direction. This configuration provides the substrate placement structure144of the container-side electrical connecting structure140in the connection member120such as not to interfere with the liquid outlet131and the guided elements165and thereby achieves downsizing of the connection member120.

According to the embodiment, the bag-like member110is located on the −Y direction side of the two guided elements165, and the liquid outlet131and the container-side electrical connecting structure140are located at positions away from the containing portion115of the bag-like member110across the two guided elements165. This configuration suppresses the force of pulling the connection member120in the −Y direction generated by the load of the liquid contained in the bag-like member110from being transmitted to the liquid outlet131and the container-side electrical connecting structure140by the support of the guide elements208fitted in the respective guided elements165. This configuration also suppresses deformation and a change in position of the bag-like member110accompanied with consumption of the liquid from affecting a connecting portion between the liquid outlet131and the liquid introducing element51and a connecting portion between the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the device-side electrical connecting structure52. This accordingly suppresses the stress from being continuously generated in these connecting portions and suppresses, for example, creep-induced deformation and deterioration of the connection-involved components. This also suppresses deterioration of the connection qualities in these connecting portions.

According to the embodiment, the two guided elements165are formed over the entire thickness in the X direction of the connection member120, and the respective guide elements208are placed over the entire thickness inside of the corresponding guided elements165(as shown inFIG. 28). This configuration facilitates the contact between the planar portions165pof the guided elements165and the planar portions208pof the guide elements208under application of a load from the bag-like member110as described above. This configuration accordingly enhances the positional stability of the first liquid container100b. This configuration also suppresses the liquid container100on the case61from rotating in a direction away from the case61to change its position.

According to the embodiment, each of the two receiving portions150fand150sis provided at such a position as to at least partly overlap with one of the two guided elements165when being viewed in the Y direction (as shown inFIG. 27AandFIG. 27B). This configuration increases the positioning accuracy of the connection member120of the mounting body105relative to the connection receiving portion50. This accordingly further improves the connectivity between the liquid outlet131and the liquid introducing element51and the connectivity between the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the device-side electrical connecting structure52.

According to the embodiment, as described above, the two guided elements165are provided as concaves (including through holes) of the connection member120(as shown inFIG. 13andFIG. 23). This facilitates the user to visually recognize the positions of the two guided elements165. The user is also allowed to touch the two guided elements165with a hand and tactually recognize the positions of the two guided elements165. As described above, the two guided elements165are formed in such a shape that allows the user to readily recognize their positions. The user can thus readily position the liquid container100relative to the case61by using the two guided elements165as the guides in the course of mounting the liquid container100to the case61.

According to the embodiment, the guide elements208of the case61are fitted in the guided elements165by simple insertion in the Z direction into the guided elements165. This configuration facilitates the mounting operation of the liquid container100to the case61.

According to the embodiment, the guided element165ais provided to be pierced in the Z direction from the third surface portion123to the fourth surface portion124in the connection member120(as shown inFIG. 28). This configuration causes the positions of the guide elements208on the case61to be visible in the +Z direction through the inner spaces of the guided elements165when the liquid container100is placed in the case61. This accordingly facilitates the placement operation of the liquid container100relative to the case61and improves the mountability of the liquid container to the case.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the terminals142of the container-side electrical connecting structure140are pressed in the +Z direction in addition to in the −Y direction by the terminal portions52tof the device-side electrical connecting structure52(shown inFIG. 5). In the mounting body105of the embodiment, upper ends of the guide elements208are located above the terminals142of the substrate portion141. Accordingly, the contact between the upper ends of the guide elements208and the guided elements165suppresses the connection member120from being pressed in the +Z direction by the terminal portions52tof the device-side electrical connecting structure52tto rotate.

Additionally, according to the embodiment, a fitting portion165fwhere the entire inner wall surface of the guided element165is in surface contact with the outer circumferential side face of the guide element208is provided at an upper end of the guided element165(as shown inFIG. 28). This configuration further increases the positioning accuracy of the liquid container100on the case61by means of the guided elements165and the guide elements208. The fitting portion165fis located above the terminals142of the substrate portion141. This configuration further suppresses the connection member120from being pressed in the +Z direction by the terminal portions52tof the device-side electrical connecting structure52tto rotate described above. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the fitting portion165fincludes the planar portion165pthat faces in the +Y direction. The planar portion165pcomes into contact with the planar portion208pof the guide element208to be supported by the planar portion208pwhen a load is applied in the −Y direction to the connection member120. This configuration further suppresses the connection member120from being pressed by the terminal portions52tof the device-side electrical connecting structure52tto rotate.

According to the embodiment, the guided element165includes an inclined surface165ithat faces in the +Z direction at a +Z direction side end that is an inlet side end where the guide element208is inserted (as shown inFIG. 28). According to the embodiment, the inclined surface165iis located on the −Y direction side of the planar portion165pand is extended downward from the fitting portion165f. The inclined surface165ifaces to a side face of the inserted guide element208in the state that the guide element208is fitted in the guided element165. The presence of the inclined surface165iincreases the opening area in a downward direction at a section along the X direction and the Y direction of the guided element165at a position lower than the fitting portion165f. This configuration enables the upper end of the guide element208to be smoothly guided to the fitting portion165fof the guided element165and thereby facilitates the mounting operation of the liquid container100to the case61.

The presence of the inclined surface165ienables the guide element208to be locally fitted in the guided element165in the fitting portion165fat the upper end. This facilitates release of the engagement between the guided element165and the guide element208and facilitates the dismounting operation of the liquid container100from the case61. Additionally this configuration promptly releases the engagement between the guided element165and the guide element208even when an unexpected impact force is externally applied to the mounting body105, for example, due to a fall of the mounting body105. This accordingly distributes the impact force applied to the mounting body105and suppresses the liquid container100from being damaged and destroyed.

According to the embodiment, the planar portion165pof the guided element165and the planar portion208pof the guide element208are in surface contact with each other over the substantially entire length in the Z direction. This configuration suppresses the position of the liquid container100from being changed even when a load is applied in the −Y direction to the liquid container100on the case61.

Combination of First Liquid Container and Second Case

FIG. 29is a schematic diagram illustrating the first liquid container100aplaced in the second case61bwhen being viewed in the +Z direction. According to the embodiment, the first connection member120aof the first liquid container100ahas a substantially similar location layout of the respective components involved in connection with the connection receiving portion50to that of the second connection member120bof the second liquid container100b. As described above, the two guided elements165bof the second connection member120bare provided at positions corresponding to those of the guided elements165aof the first connection member120aand include portions having shapes identical with those of the guided elements165aof the first connection member120a. The first liquid container100ais thus mountable to the second case61bthat is configured to be fitted for the second connection member120bof the second liquid container100b. When the first liquid container100ais mounted to the second case61b, parts of the two guide elements208bof the second case61bare fitted in the guided elements165aof the first connection member120a. This configuration enables the first liquid container100ato be positioned on the second case61b.

Fixation Structure of Bag-Like Member in Connection Member

The details of the fixation structure of the bag-like member110in the connection member120of the liquid container100are described with reference toFIG. 30toFIGS. 33A and 33B.FIG. 30is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the liquid container100with separation of the first member127fand the second member127sfrom each other in the connection member120.FIG. 31is a first schematic sectional view illustrating the connection member120, taken along a line31-31shown inFIG. 30.FIG. 32is a second schematic sectional view illustrating the connection member120, taken along a line32-32shown inFIG. 31. AlthoughFIGS. 30 to 32illustrate the configuration of the second liquid container100b, the description below is common to the first liquid container100aand the second liquid container100b.

The connection member120is configured by laying the first member127fover the second member127sin the Z direction and coupling the first member127fwith the second member127s(as shown inFIG. 30). The first member127fincludes a plurality of claws129cprotruded downward in the +Z direction. The second member127sincludes engagement holes129hcorresponding to the respective claws129c. The first member127fand the second member127sare coupled with each other by engagement of the respective claws129cwith the corresponding engagement holes129h. When the first member127fand the second member127sare coupled with each other, the first member127fand the second member127shold a leading end113eon the +Y direction side of the outer circumferential edge113of the bag-like member110that is placed between the first member127fand the second member127sin the Z direction.

A supply port114that is an opening communicating with the containing portion115is provided at the leading end113eof the bag-like member110(as shown inFIG. 30andFIG. 31). The supply port114is a portion of the outer circumferential edge113of the bag-like member110where the first sheet member111and the second sheet member112are not joined with each other. A supply port member116is inserted in the supply port114of the bag-like member110to form a liquid flow path that connects the liquid outlet131with the supply port114.

The supply port member116is produced by molding a resin material such as polypropylene. The supply port member116includes a piping portion117(shown inFIG. 30) and a connection main body118(shown inFIG. 31). The piping portion117(shown inFIG. 30) is a tubular portion that is extended in the Y direction and that is located at the center in the X direction, and has a +Y direction side opening end that is connected with the liquid outlet131of the connection member120. The +Y direction side opening of the piping portion117is sealed by application of a film member FM. When the liquid introducing element51is connected with the liquid outlet131, the liquid introducing element51passes through the film member FM and is connected with the opening of the piping portion117.

The connection main body118is a portion provided on the −Y direction side of the piping portion117(as shown inFIG. 30andFIG. 31). A liquid flow path (not shown) is provided inside of the connection main body118to be connected with the piping portion117and to be extended in the Y direction. The connection main body118includes a first fixation portion118fand a second fixation portion118s. The first fixation portion118fis a portion that is placed outside of the bag-like member110and that is coupled with and fixed to the connection member120(as shown inFIG. 30andFIG. 31). The second fixation portion118sis a portion that is placed inside of the bag-like member110and that is fixed to the bag-like member110(as shown inFIG. 31). The second fixation portion118sis joined in an airtight manner with an inner circumferential surface of the supply port114of the bag-like member110(as shown inFIG. 30andFIG. 31). A tubular member300placed inside of the containing portion115to guide the liquid contained in the containing portion115to outside of the bag-like member110is connected with a −Y direction side end of the second fixation portion118s(as shown inFIG. 32).

The two protrusions301are provided on an upper surface of the second member127s(as shown inFIG. 30). The two protrusions301are shaft-like portions extended in the −Z direction. According to the embodiment, the two protrusions301are formed in an approximately cylindrical shape. The two protrusions301are provided at positions across the liquid outlet131and the piping portion117in the X direction when being viewed in the Y direction (as shown inFIG. 32).

The two through ports302fand302sare provided on the first fixation portion118fof the connection main body118to pass through the first fixation portion118fin the Z direction (as shown inFIG. 30). The two through ports302fand302sare arrayed in the X direction. A liquid flow path connecting with the piping portion117is provided between the two through ports302fand302s(as shown inFIG. 32). Corresponding one of the two protrusions301of the second member127fis inserted into each of the through ports302fand302s(as shown inFIG. 30). The protrusion301on the +X direction side is inserted into the first through port302f, and the protrusion301on the −X direction side is inserted into the second through port302s.

The two apertures303which the respective protrusions301are fitted in are provided on a lower surface of the first member127fat positions corresponding to the two protrusions301of the second member127s. The positions of formation of the two apertures303are shown by the broken line inFIG. 30. When the first member127fand the second member127sare coupled with each other, upper end portions of the two protrusions301of the second member127sthat pass through the two through ports302fand302sof the first fixation portion118fdescribed above are fitted in the two apertures303of the first member127f(as shown inFIG. 31). The bag-like member110is accordingly fixed to the connection member120. In the description below, the two protrusions301of the second member127s, the two through ports302fand302sof the supply port member116and the two apertures303of the first member127fmay be collectively called “fixation structures305” configured to fix the bag-like member110to the connection member120.

As described above, in the liquid container100of the embodiment, the leading end113eof the bag-like member110including the supply port114is placed and held in the Z direction between the first member127fand the second member127sthat constitute the connection member120. This configuration suppresses a positional misalignment of the supply port114relative to the connection member120and suppresses deterioration of the connection of a liquid supply path between the liquid ejection device10and the liquid container100. The bag-like member110is fixed to the connection member120by the process of coupling the first member127fand the second member127swith each other in the Z direction. This facilitates assembly of the bag-like member110.

In the connection member120of the embodiment, the entire supply port member116attached to the bag-like member110is covered by the first member127fand the second member127sthat constitute the main body portion of the connection member120. This configuration enhances the protection of the supply port member116. In the connection member120of the embodiment, the two protrusions301and the two through ports302fand302sthat constitute the fixation structures305to fix the bag-like member110are arrayed in the X direction across the liquid flow path provided in the supply port member116. This configuration suppresses a positional misalignment that the connection member120and the bag-like member110are rotated relative to each other in the X direction. This also suppresses a positional misalignment between the liquid outlet131of the connection member120and the liquid flow path of the supply port member116and suppresses deterioration of the communication of the liquid supply flow path inside of the connection member120. Additionally in the connection member120of the embodiment, the two protrusions301provided to fix the supply port member116are extended in the Z direction across the first member127fand the second member127s. This configuration enhances the strength of the fixation structure305provided to fix the supply port member116and further suppresses a positional misalignment of the supply port member116inside of the connection member120.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the second fixation portion118sof the supply port member116is welded to the sheet members111and112at the supply port114of the bag-like member110. A length La in the Y direction of a welding area WD of the second fixation portion118sis shorter than a length Lb in the Y direction of the connection member120(as shown inFIG. 31). The entire welding area WD is covered by the connection member120. This configuration causes the welding area WD to be protected by the connection member120and suppresses the sheet members111and112from being peeled off from the supply port member116.

The location position of the substrate portion141in the container-side electrical connecting structure140is shown by the broken line inFIG. 31. According to the embodiment, the container-side electrical connecting structure140is provided on the +Y direction side of the supply port114. Accordingly the substrate placement structure144is provided as the recess that is recessed in the +Z direction without interfering with the bag-like member110, and the substrate portion141is arranged at a position that at least partly overlaps with the supply port114in the Y direction. This configuration reduces the thickness of the connection member120in the Z direction and achieves downsizing of the connection member120.

According to the embodiment, the container-side electrical connecting structure140is provided at a position on the +Y direction side away from the fixation structures305of the supply port member116. Even when the fixation structure305of the supply port member116is damaged by, for example, applying an unexpected impact to the liquid container100, this configuration suppresses the damage from affecting the container-side electrical connecting structure140. This enhances the protection of the substrate portion141.

According to the embodiment, the two through ports302fand302sprovided in the first fixation portion118fof the supply port member116have different opening widths in the X direction (as shown inFIG. 32). The opening width herein means a maximum value of the opening width in the X direction. An opening width Wb in the X direction of the second through port302sis larger than an opening width Wa in the X direction of the first through port302f. This configuration provides a margin for the insertion angle of the protrusion301in the X direction when the corresponding protrusion301is inserted into the second through port302s. This enables the corresponding protrusion301to be readily inserted into the second through port302safter the corresponding protrusion301is inserted into the first through port302fto determine a reference position. This facilitates the attachment process of the bag-like member110to the second member127sand facilitates the assembly process to fix the bag-like member110to the connection member120. Providing the fixation structure305with such a margin reduces the stress generated in the fixation structure305in the process of assembling the connection member120and suppresses deterioration of the fixation property of the bag-like member110relative to the connection member120. According to the embodiment, opening widths We in the Y direction of the first through port302fand of the second through port302sare approximately equal to the diameter in the Y direction of the protrusions301. The opening widths in the Y direction of the first through port302fand of the second through port302smay be different from each other.

FIG. 33AandFIG. 33Bare diagrams illustrating the position of the leading end113eof the bag-like member110in the connection member120.FIG. 33Ais a diagram with regard to the first liquid container100a, andFIG. 33Bis a diagram with regard to the second liquid container100B. Outlines of the connection members120aand120bwhen being viewed in the +Z direction are shown by the one-dot chain line, and the location areas of the bag-like members110aand110bare filled with hatched lines inFIG. 33AandFIG. 33B. The positions of the fixation structures305provided to fix the bag-like members110aand110bto the connection members120aand120bare respectively shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 33AandFIG. 33B.

According to the embodiment, the leading end113eof the bag-like member110is provided at a position between the two guided elements165in the connection member120. The leading end113eof the bag-like member110is located at a position overlapping with the two guided elements165when being viewed in the X direction. For example, when an impact is applied in the X direction to the mounting body105, the leading end113eof the bag-like member110held by the connection member120is supported in the X direction by the guided elements165. This configuration enhances the impact resistance of the liquid container100.

According to the embodiment, the fixation structures305used to fix the leading end113eof the bag-like member110are provided at the positions overlapping with the two guided elements165when being viewed in the X direction. This configuration causes the leading end113eof the bag-like member110to be supported by the fixation structures305as well as the guided elements165and the guide elements208described above, when an impact force in the X direction is applied. This accordingly further enhances the impact resistance of the liquid container100.

According to the embodiment, side end portions113sof the bag-like member110are located on the inner side of the fifth surface portion125and the sixth surface portion126of the connection member120in the X direction. The configuration that the side end portions113sof the bag-like member110are not protruded to outside of the connection member120in the X direction enhances the protection of the side end portions113sof the bag-like member110. According to the embodiment, when the liquid container100is viewed in the Y direction, at least part of the bag-like member110is overlapped with the respective guided elements165. This configuration suppresses a positional misalignment in the +Y direction of the bag-like member110in the connection member120.

According to the embodiment, in order to avoid two corners on the +Y direction side of the bag-like member110from interfering with the guided elements165, these corners are cut. Accordingly a depression113rthat is indented in a direction from the guided element165toward the bag-like member110is formed along an inner circumferential surface of each of the two guided elements165on a +Y direction side end portion of the side end portion113sof the bag-like member110. The shapes of the corners prior to cutting are shown by the broken line inFIG. 33AandFIG. 33B.

Providing such depressions113rcauses the corners of the bag-like member110not to interfere with fixation of the bag-like member110to the connection member120and thereby facilitates assembly of the liquid container100. The presence of the depressions113ralso enables the leading end113eand the side end portions113sof the bag-like member110to be located near to the guided elements165. This configuration accordingly enables the outer circumferential edge113of the bag-like member110to be held by the connection member120. In other words, this configuration enables the bag-like member110to be protected by the connection member120. The depressions113rare formed by specifying the positions of the guided elements165based on the positions of the two through ports302fand302sof the supply port member116and cutting the welding part of the bag-like member110after the supply port member116is welded to the supply port114of the bag-like member110.

Configuration of Containing Portion

The configuration of the containing portion115inside of the bag-like member110is described with reference toFIG. 34.FIG. 34schematically illustrates the bag-like member110when being viewed in the +Z direction. A welding area WA at the outer circumferential edge of the bag-like member110is shown by the broken line and is filled with hatched lines inFIG. 34. The welding area WA is formed along the outer circumferential edge113of the bag-like member110, and the containing portion115is formed as an area surrounded by the welding area WA. It is preferable that the welding area WA has inclined connection parts CC, in order not to provide the containing portion115with four right-angled corners. In other words, it is preferable that the welding area WA has areas protruded toward the center of the containing portion115at the four corners of the containing portion115. Providing the containing portion115with such connection parts CC suppresses the liquid from remaining at the four corners of the containing portion115in the course of consumption of the liquid contained in the containing portion115by the liquid ejection device10. Forming at least one connection part CC in the containing portion115brings this advantageous effect. The connection part CC is not necessarily formed by a straight line but may be formed by a curved line.

Details of Configuration and Functions of Handle

The details of the configuration and the functions of the handle170are described with reference toFIGS. 35 to 37.FIG. 35is a schematic perspective view illustrating the first liquid container100awhen the handle170ais at the second position. The handle170bof the second liquid container100bis similarly set at a second position, like the position of the handle70ashown inFIG. 35.FIG. 36is a schematic diagram extracting and illustrating the periphery of a second base end portion175of the handle170bat the second position.FIG. 37is a schematic diagram illustrating the two different mounting bodies105aand105bwith the handles170aand170bat the first position when being viewed in the +Z direction. The description below is common to the handle170aof the first liquid container100aand the handle170bof the second liquid container100b, unless otherwise specified.

As described above, for example, in the case of carrying the liquid container100, the handle170is rotated toward the connection member120from the first position that is laid down to the bag-like member110-side to the rising second position (as shown inFIG. 35). The handle170is provided at the connection member120located on the +Y direction side end of the liquid container100. When the user holds the handle170to move the liquid container100, the position of the liquid container100is stabilized in such a state that the bag-like member110-side where the center of gravity of the liquid container100is located is hung. This configuration enhances the handling performance of the liquid container100and facilitates mounting and dismounting of the liquid container100to and from the case61.

According to the embodiment, when the handle170is at the second position, parts of the coupling portions172and173come into contact with the connection member120in the rotating direction of the handle170, so as to stop the handle170(as shown inFIG. 36). The handle170is stopped when the grip portion171is located above the fixation structures176. The contact location of the connection member120that is in contact with the handle170serves as a restrictor310to restrict the rotation of the handle170. The restrictor310is located on the opposite side to the bag-like member110across the rotating axis RX of the handle170. The presence of the restrictor310suppresses rocking of the liquid container100when the user grips the handle170and thereby further stabilizes the position of the liquid container100at the second position. It is desirable that the center of gravity of the liquid container100is located on the bag-like member110-side of the rotating axis RX when being viewed from the restrictor310. This configuration causes the handle170to abut on the restrictor310when the user grips the handle170to hang the liquid container100. This accordingly suppresses rocking of the bag-like member110and thereby suppresses fluctuation of the liquid contained in the bag-like member110.

According to the embodiment, the handle170at the second position is held at a position that overlaps with the container-side electrical connecting structure140in the Z direction and that is away from the container-side electrical connecting structure140(as shown inFIG. 36). Accordingly the container-side electrical connecting structure140is covered and protected by the handle170at the second position.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the base end portions174and175of the handle170are provided between the two guided elements165in the X direction. This facilitates the user to recognize the positions of the guided elements165based on the position of the handle170(as shown inFIG. 35). This configuration accordingly simplifies the mounting and dismounting operations of the liquid container100to and from the case61by using the handle170. This configuration also facilitates positioning of the liquid container100when the liquid container100is placed in the case61.

In the liquid container100of the embodiment, the grip portion171of the handle170at the first position is located at a position protruded from the connection member120toward the bag-like member110on the −Y direction side (as shown inFIG. 37). This configuration enables the user to readily grip the grip portion171when the handle170is at the first position. When the handle170is at the second position, the grip portion171of the handle170is arranged at a position protruded from the connection member120toward the +Y direction side that is opposite to the bag-like member110(as shown inFIG. 35). This configuration also enables the user to readily grip the grip portion171when the handle170is at the second position. Especially according to the embodiment, the handle170at the second position is inclined upward relative to the horizontal direction. The grip portion171is accordingly located at the position that enables the user to more readily grip. In the liquid container100, the grip portion171of the handle170is located at such positions that enable the user to readily grip, whether the handle170is at the first position or at the second position. This accordingly facilitates the user's operations of the handle170and facilitates the mounting and dismounting operations of the liquid container100to and from the case61.

According to the embodiment, the liquid outlet131and the containers-side electrical connecting structure140are arranged at positions that do not overlap with the handle170in the Z direction at the first position (as shown inFIG. 37). The fitting structure receiving portion155is also arranged at a position that does not overlap with the handle170in the Z direction. In the connection member120of the embodiment, recesses123rare provided in the third surface portion123of the connection member120to receive at least part of the handle170at the first position (as shown inFIG. 15andFIG. 35). According to the embodiment, parts of the coupling portions172and173are received in the recesses123rwhen the handle170is at the first position. At least part of the handle170at the first position accordingly enters the connection member120in the Z direction. This reduces the dimension the liquid container100in the Z direction.

According to the embodiment, the handle170at the first position is placed at a position that does not interfere with the liquid outlet131, the container-side electrical connecting structure140and the fitting structure receiving portion155. This configuration accordingly suppresses the handle170from disturbing the connection of the mounting body105with the connection receiving portion50.

According to the embodiment, the handle170at the first position is arranged along a plane perpendicular to the Z direction (as shown inFIG. 37andFIG. 14). This configuration suppresses the handle170from being unnecessarily protruded in the −Z direction when the liquid container100is placed in the case61and thereby achieves downsizing of the mounting body105. This accordingly reduces the spatial volume of the case placement unit60in the liquid ejection device10and thereby achieves downsizing of the liquid ejection device10.

According to the embodiment, the two coupling portions172and173of the handle170respectively include portions that are extended from the respective ends of the grip portion171in a direction toward the center in the X direction of the grip portion171(as shown inFIG. 37). According to the embodiment, the coupling portions172and173are respectively bent in a crank-like shape from the respective ends of the grip portion171toward the center in the X direction of the grip portion171. This configuration causes a width WH in the X direction of the grip portion171of the handle170to be longer than a width WB in the X direction between the base end portions174and175. This configuration reduces the size of the base end portions174and175-side of the handle170and provides the grip portion171of the easy-to-grasp size.

According to the embodiment, the coupling portions172and173of the handle170are extended around the guided elements165not to overlap with the guided elements165in the Z direction both at the first position and at the second position. This configuration suppresses the handle170from disturbing the user's visual recognition of the guided elements165.

The grip portion171of the handle170may be in contact with the bag-like member110at the first position. It is, however, preferable that the grip portion171of the handle170is kept at the position away from the bag-like member110at the first position as illustrated inFIG. 14. This configuration causes the bag-like member110not to be pressed in the Z direction by the handle170and suppresses deterioration of the pressure condition of the containing portion115inside of the bag-like member110due to a load applied from the handle170. This accordingly suppresses deterioration of the supply performance of the liquid from the liquid container100to the liquid ejection device10. The connection member120may be provided with a restrictor that comes into contact with part of the handle170at the first position to restrict rotation of the handle170in a direction toward the bag-like member110. This restrictor may serve to suppress the handle170at the first position from coming into contact with the bag-like member110.

The following description refers toFIG. 37. Da denotes a distance in the Y direction from a −Y direction side end of the connection member120to a −Y direction side end of the handle170at the first position. Db denotes a distance in the Y direction from the −Y direction side end of the connection member120to the −Y direction side end101of the bag-like member110. It is preferable that the distance Da is not greater than one third of the distance Db (Da≤Db/3). This reduces the overlap range of the handle170and the bag-like member110in the Z direction. The grip portion171of the handle170is located above a portion of the bag-like member110having a relatively small thickness in the Z direction. This configuration enables the grip portion171of the handle170to be located at the easy-to-grasp position and suppresses the bag-like member110from receiving a load from the handle170at the first position. This prevents size expansion of the handle170and achieves downsizing of the liquid container100to be placed in a space-saving manner in the case placement unit60of the liquid ejection device10.

Summary of First Embodiment

As described above, positioning using the guided elements165and the guide elements208improves the mounting position of the liquid container100of the embodiment relative to the liquid ejection device10. The liquid container100of the embodiment also has the various functions and advantageous effects described in the above embodiment.

B. Second Embodiment

FIG. 38is a schematic diagram illustrating a mounting body105caccording to a second embodiment when being viewed in the +Z direction. The mounting body105cof the second embodiment is comprised of a liquid container100cand a case61chaving large dimensions in the X direction. The liquid container100cand the case61crespectively have substantially similar configurations to those of the second liquid container100band the second case61bof the first embodiment, except that side end portions in the X direction are extended in the +X direction and in the −X direction.

A liquid ejection device which the liquid container100cof the second embodiment is mounted to an inkjet printer for monochromatic printing but is otherwise substantially similar to the liquid ejection device10described in the first embodiment. In the liquid ejection device of the second embodiment, a case placement unit60is occupied by one liquid container100c. One connection receiving portion50is provided at the approximate center in the X direction in a +Y direction side area of the case placement unit60.

A bag-like member110cin the liquid container100cof the second embodiment has an extended width in the X direction, compared with the bag-like member110bin the second liquid container100bof the first embodiment. The bag-like member110chas the larger width in the X direction than a width in the Y direction.

A connection member120cin the liquid container100cof the second embodiment has respective end portions in the X direction that are respectively extended in the +X direction and in the −X direction corresponding to the extended width in the X direction of the bag-like member110c. A +Y direction side end portion of the bag-like member110cis held in the connection member120cover the entire length in the X direction.

The connection member120cof the second embodiment is configured to be connectable with a connection receiving portion50that has the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment. The location layout of various components of the connection member120cinvolved in connection with the connection receiving portion50is substantially identical with that of the second connection member120bof the first embodiment. The connection member120cincludes two guided elements165bthat are similar to those described in the first embodiment.

The case61cof the second embodiment has an expanded width in the X direction to be fitted for the liquid container100c. The case61includes two guide elements208bthat are provided in a bottom surface of a bottom wall portion200and that are similar to those described in the first embodiment. In the mounting body105cof the second embodiment, the guide elements208bare fitted in the guided elements165b. This increases the positioning accuracy of the liquid container100con the case61c.

The liquid container100cof the second embodiment increases the contained amount of ink. The liquid container100calso has the enhanced stability of the location position. The liquid container100cof the second embodiment additionally has various functions and advantageous effects described in the first embodiment. The liquid ejection device which the liquid container100cof the second embodiment is mounted to may be configured such that a plurality of the liquid containers100care laid one over another in the Z direction to be mounted in parallel to one another. In this modification, the liquid ejection device may perform multicolor printing with a plurality of the liquid containers100ccontaining different color inks.

FIG. 39is a schematic diagram illustrating a liquid container100daccording to a third embodiment when being viewed in the +Z direction. The liquid container100dof the third embodiment is substantially similar to the liquid container100cof the second embodiment, except that the liquid container100dincludes a bag-like member110din a different shape when being viewed in the Z direction and that the liquid container100dis provided with a connection member120dhaving a configuration similar to the configuration of the second connection member120bdescribed in the first embodiment.

The liquid container100dof the third embodiment has such a configuration that the side end portions113son the respective sides in the X direction of the bag-like member110bare respectively extended in the +X direction and in the −X direction from the second connection member120bin the second liquid container100bdescribed in the first embodiment. The liquid container100dis placed in the case61cdescribed in the second embodiment and is mounted to a liquid ejection device that is similar to that described in the second embodiment.

In the liquid container100dof the third embodiment, a middle part in the X direction of a leading end113eof the bag-like member110dis held by the connection member120d. Respective side end portions113sin the X direction of the bag-like member110dof the third embodiment are accordingly extended in the X direction from the connection member120d.

Two corners315on a +Y direction side end portion of the bag-like member110dhave chamfered shapes. This configuration suppresses welding areas at the respective corners315from being damaged or deteriorated. A containing portion115included in the bag-like member110dsimilarly have corners of chamfered shapes (shown by the broken line). This configuration suppresses the liquid from remaining in these corners of the containing portion115in the course of consumption of the liquid contained in the containing portion115by the liquid ejection device. The liquid container100dof the third embodiment additionally has various functions and advantageous effects similar to those described in the above respective embodiments.

FIG. 40is a diagram illustrating a liquid container100eaccording to a fourth embodiment. The liquid container100ehas a substantially similar configuration to that of the liquid container100described in the first embodiment, except that the handle170attached to the connection member120is replaced by a handle170eattached to a sheet member320. The liquid container100eis placed on a case61similar to that described in the first embodiment and is mounted to a liquid ejection device10having a similar configuration to that described in the first embodiment.

The liquid container100eis provided with the sheet member320that is located below a bag-like member110and that is configured to support the bag-like member110. The sheet member320is arranged to support the entire bag-like member110. The sheet member320may be formed by, for example, film formation of a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The sheet member320may be formed from a paper, plastic or metal plate-like material.

The handle170eis provided on one end portion in the X direction of the sheet member320. The handle170eis provided on a −X direction side end portion inFIG. 40. The handle170eis extended in the X direction from a side end portion113sof the bag-like member110. The handle170eincludes a grip portion171ethat is extended in the Y direction along the side end portion113sof the bag-like member110and two coupling portions172ethat are configured to couple the respective end portions of the grip portion171ewith the sheet member320. The handle170emay be configured as part of the sheet member320or may be configured by joining a separate member from the sheet member320with the sheet member320.

The handle170eis generally set at a second position where the handle170eis extended in the X direction from the bag-like member110. The user grips the handle170eat the second position to carry the liquid container100e. The handle170eis rotatable about coupling positions of the two coupling portions172ewith the sheet member320as the point of support. The handle170eis also allowed to be set at a first position where the handle170eis laid down toward the bag-like member110to be laid over the bag-like member110(shown by the broken line). This configuration suppresses the handle170efrom disturbing placement of the liquid container100ein the case61.

In the state that the liquid container100eis placed in the case61, the handle170emay not be fully bent toward the bag-like member110. The handle170emay be rotated upward from the first position to come into contact with the side wall portions201and202of the case61. The contact of the handle170ewith the case61stabilizes the position in the X direction of the liquid container100e.

The handle170emay be configured to be separable from the sheet member320by providing perforation or the like at the coupling positions of the two coupling portions172ewith the sheet member320. This configuration enables the liquid container100eto be mounted to the liquid ejection device10in a space-saving manner with separation of the handle170eand thereby enhances the mountability of the liquid container100eto the liquid ejection device10.

The handle170emay be provided on respective sides in the X direction of the bag-like member110or may be provided on a −Y direction side end of the bag-like member110. The liquid container100eof the fourth embodiment has various functions and advantageous effects described in the above respective embodiments, in addition to the functions and advantageous effects described above.

FIG. 41is a diagram illustrating the configuration of liquid containers100faccording to a fifth embodiment.FIG. 41illustrates a plurality of the liquid containers100fand one common case61fin which the plurality of liquid containers100fare placed. The liquid container100fof the fifth embodiment has a similar configuration to that of the liquid container100eof the fourth embodiment except the points described below. According to the fifth embodiment, the plurality of liquid containers100fare arrayed in a line in the X direction to be coupled with one another via a sheet member320. A handle170esimilar to that described in the fourth embodiment is provided on each of the liquid containers100flocated at the positions on the respective ends in the X direction.

The coupled body of the plurality of liquid containers100fare provided with two handles170elocated on the respective ends in the X direction. This configuration enhances the handling performance of the plurality of liquid containers100fconnected in the X direction and simplifies the mounting operation of the liquid containers100fto the case61. The handle170emay be provided on only one side in the X direction. Providing even one handle170eensures the convenience in the case of carrying the plurality of liquid containers100f.

The plurality of liquid containers100fcoupled with one another by means of the sheet member320are placed on the case61f. A bottom wall portion200of the case61fis provided with guide elements208corresponding to guided elements165of the respective liquid containers100f. The respective liquid containers100fare positioned at predetermined location positions in the case61fby fitting the guide elements208into the corresponding guided elements165.

When the coupled body of the liquid containers100fis placed in the case61f, the handle170emay be bent toward the bag-like member110as described in the fourth embodiment or may come into contact with a side wall portion of the case61to rotate upward. The handles170emay be separated from the liquid containers100e.

The plurality of liquid containers100fplaced in the case61fare mounted to a liquid ejection device. An identical color ink may be contained in all the plurality of liquid containers100f. This readily increases the volume of this color ink. Different color inks may be respectively contained in the plurality of liquid containers100f. This enables the plurality of color inks to be handled simultaneously and efficiently.

As described above, the handles170emay be used to simultaneously handle the plurality of liquid containers100fof the fifth embodiment that are coupled with one another. This configuration enables the liquid containers100fto be mounted to and dismounted from the case61fefficiently. The liquid container100fof the fifth embodiment additionally has various functions and advantageous effects described in the above respective embodiments.

The various configurations described in the above respective embodiments may be modified, for example, as described below. The modifications described below are all examples of the aspects of the present disclosure.

In the above respective embodiments, the guided elements165are provided on the −Y direction side of the liquid outlet131and the container-side electrical connecting structure140. According to a modification, the guided elements165may be provided on a +Y direction side of the liquid outlet131and the container-side electrical connecting structure140or may be provided to be aligned in the X direction with the liquid outlet131and the container-side electrical connecting structure140.

In the above respective embodiments, the guided elements165are provided on the +Y direction side of the bag-like member110including the containing portion115. According to a modification, the guided elements165may be provided on a −Y direction side of the bag-like member110including the containing portion115. For example, the connection member120may include portions that are extended in the −Y direction along the side end portions113sof the bag-like member110, and the guided elements165may be provided in these locations.

In the above respective embodiments, the guided elements165are provided over the length in the Z direction in the connection member120. According to a modification, the guided elements165may not be provided over the length in the Z direction in the connection member120. For example, the guided elements165may be formed in a closed shape on the third surface portion123-side of the connection member120.

In the above respective embodiments, the guided element165includes the planar portion165p. The planar portion165pmay, however, be omitted. The guided element165includes the inclined surface165i(shown inFIG. 28), but the inclined surface165imay also be omitted. In the above respective embodiments, the guided element165includes the fitting portion165f(shown inFIG. 28) that is fitted in the guide element208at the upper end portion. According to a modification, the guided element165may have, for example, a portion that is to be fitted in the guide element208in the middle of the upper end and the lower end in the Z direction or a portion that is to be fitted in the guide element208at the lower end portion.

In the above respective embodiments, the container-side electrical connecting structure140includes the substrate portion141provided with the terminals142. According to a modification, the container-side electrical connecting structure140may not include the substrate portion141. For example, the container-side electrical connecting structure140may be configured such that the terminals142which the device-side electrical connecting structure52electrically comes into contact with are arranged directly on a wall surface of the connection member120. In the above respective embodiments, the terminals142of the container-side electrical connecting structure140are arranged to face obliquely upward. According to a modification, the terminals142of the container-side electrical connecting structure140may not be arranged to face obliquely upward. The terminals142may be arranged to be perpendicular to the Z direction or may be arranged to be perpendicular to the Y direction. In the above respective embodiments, the substrate placement structure144configured to arrange the terminals142is provided as the recess that is recessed both in the −Y direction and in the +Z direction. According to a modification, the substrate placement structure144may not be formed as a recess. The terminals142may be provided in a portion that is protruded from the remaining portion.

In the above respective embodiments, the first receiving portion150fand the second receiving portion150sare respectively provided at the positions that at least partly overlap with the respective guided elements165when being viewed in the Y direction. According to a modification, the first receiving portion150fand the second receiving portion150smay be provided at positions offset from the respective guided elements165when being viewed in the Y direction. In the above respective embodiments, the first receiving portion150fand the second receiving portion150smay be omitted.

In the above respective embodiments, the main body of the connection member120is formed by coupling the first member127fwith the second member127sin the Z direction (as shown inFIG. 30). According to a modification, the main body of the connection member120may be formed by coupling three or more members or may be formed by coupling two members in the X direction.

In the above respective embodiments, the depressions113rare provided at the +Y direction side ends of the side end portions113sof the bag-like member110. According to a modification, the depressions113rmay be omitted. In the above respective embodiments, the +Y direction side ends of the side end portions113sof the bag-like member110may be folded to be around the guided elements165of the connection member120.

In the above respective embodiments, the bag-like member110includes the portions overlapping with the guided elements165of the connection member120when being viewed in the Y direction. According to a modification, the side end portions113sof the bag-like member110may be located nearer to the center of the connection member120in the X direction than the guided elements165of the connection member120when being viewed in the Y direction.

In the above respective embodiments, the guided element165ais formed as the recess in the approximately semicylindrical shape, and the guided element165bis formed as the through hole defining the space in the approximately cylindrical shape. According to a modification, the guided element165provided in the connection member120may have a different shape. For example, the guided element165may be formed as a recess that is recessed in a semispherical shape. The guided element165may have an approximately triangular or another polygonal opening shape in a horizontal section or may be formed as a slit-like cut extended in the Z direction. The two guided elements165may not be arrayed in the X direction. The two guided elements165may be provided at positions offset from each other in the Y direction. The two guided elements165are required to be away from each other in the X direction. The two guided elements165may have different sizes or different shapes.

In the above respective embodiments, the guide element208ais formed as the protrusion in the approximately semicylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the inner space of the corresponding guided elements165a. The guide element208bis formed as the protrusion in the approximately cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the inner space of the corresponding guided element165b. According to a modification, the guide element208may have a different shape from the shape of the inner space of the guided element165which the guide element208is fitted in. For example, the guide elements208which the guided elements165aand165bare fitted in may respectively have approximately polygonal prism shapes. The guide element208is required to have a shape at least partly fitting for the guided element165which the guide element208is fitted in.

The handle170is not limited to the configurations described in the above respective embodiments. The handle170may be configured with omission of either one of the two coupling portions172and173. In this modification, one of the base end portions174and175is omitted. The grip portion171may be curved to be extended in the X direction or may be bent to be extended. The two coupling portions172and173may be extended linearly or may be extended to be curved. The coupling portions172and273may be made of a material having flexibility. The fixation structure176may not be formed by the shaft holes which the shaft-like base end portions174and175are inserted in. The fixation structure176may be formed by, for example, a hinge. The fixation structure176of the handle170may not be provided on the third surface portion123of the connection member120. For example, the fixation structure176of the handle170may be provided on the second surface portion122of the connection member120that faces in the −Y direction (as shown inFIG. 15) or may be provided on the fifth surface portion125or on the sixth surface portion126of the connection member120. The rotating axis RX of the handle170may not be necessarily parallel to the X direction. The rotating axis RX of the handle170may intersect with the X direction. The handle170may be omitted.

In the above respective embodiments, the Y direction that is the moving direction of the liquid container100and the case61in the case placement unit60corresponds to the front-rear direction of the liquid ejection device10. According to a modification, the Y direction that is the moving direction of the liquid container100and the case61in the case placement unit60may not necessarily correspond to the front-rear direction of the liquid ejection device10. For example, the Y direction that is the moving direction of the liquid container100and the case61in the case placement unit60may be a lateral direction of the liquid ejection device10. More specifically a mounting slot for the liquid container100and the case61may be provided in a right side surface or in a left side surface of the liquid ejection device10. The Y direction that is the moving direction of the case61may not be necessarily orthogonal to the direction of gravity but may be a direction obliquely intersecting with the direction of gravity. In the above respective embodiments, the case placement unit60is provided at the lowermost position in the liquid ejection device10. According to a modification, the case placement unit60may be formed at another height position. The case placement unit60may be provided in a center area in the Z direction.

The above first embodiment describes the configuration of the liquid ejection device10with four liquid containers100mounted thereto. The above second embodiment and third embodiment describe the configurations of the liquid ejection device with one liquid container100cor100dmounted thereto. The number of the liquid containers100mounted to the liquid ejection device is not limited to these numbers described in the above respective embodiments. For example, the liquid ejection device may be configured to allow only one first liquid container100aor only one second liquid container100bof the first embodiment to be mounted to. The liquid ejection device may be configured to allow two or more liquid containers100cof the second embodiment or two or more liquid containers100dof the third embodiment to be mounted to. In the first embodiment described above, the two different types of liquid containers100aand100bare mounted to the liquid ejection device10. According to a modification, only either one of the liquid containers100aand100bmay be mounted to the liquid ejection device10, or three or more different types of liquid containers having different configurations may be mounted to the liquid ejection device10.

In the above respective embodiments, the case-side fixation structure220has the heart cam groove structure. According to a modification, the case-side fixation structure220may not necessarily have the heart cam groove structure. For example, the case-side fixation structure220may be configured to have only a step which the protrusion54pof the device-side fixation structure54is engaged with in the −Y direction in the engagement state. In this modification, it is preferable that the device-side fixation structure54is configured to be moved in the X direction to be disengaged by, for example, the user's operation. In the above respective embodiments, the case-side fixation structure220may be omitted.

The configuration of the liquid container100is not limited to the configurations described in the above respective embodiments. For example, the bag-like member110of the liquid container100may have an approximately disk shape. In the connection receiving portion50, the liquid outlet131may not be necessarily located at the center in the X direction, and the container-side electrical connecting structure140may be provided at the center in the X direction. The liquid outlet131may not be necessarily provided between the pair of receiving portions150fand150sin the X direction. The pair of receiving portions150fand150smay not be necessarily provided at identical height positions and may not necessarily have substantially the same opening shapes and opening sizes. The container-side electrical connecting structure140may not be necessarily formed at the deep position in the −Y direction but may be formed at a position protruded in the +Y direction.

F17. Modification 17 The configuration of the case61which the liquid container100is placed in is not limited to the configurations described in the above respective embodiments. The case61may not be necessarily formed in the tray-like shape but may be formed from a frame-like member that is configured by combining a plurality of columnar members.

The connection receiving portion50which the liquid container100is connected with is not limited to the configurations described in the above respective embodiments. The connection receiving portion50may not be necessarily configured as a single component, but the liquid introducing element51, the device-side electrical connecting structure52and the pair of positioning elements53fand53smay be independently and separately arranged as different members.

In the above respective embodiments, the liquid ejection device10is a printer, and the liquid ejection system11is an inkjet-type printing system. According to a modification, the liquid ejection device10may not be necessarily a printer, and the liquid ejection system11may not be necessarily a printing system. For example, the liquid ejection device10may be configured as cleaning device to eject a liquid detergent. In this example, the liquid ejection system is a cleaning system.

The present disclosure is not limited to any of the embodiments, the examples and the modifications described above but may be implemented by a diversity of configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the technical features of any of the embodiments, the examples and the modifications corresponding to the technical features of each of the aspects described in Summary may be replaced or combined appropriately in order to solve part or all of the problems described above or in order to achieve part or all of the advantageous effects described above. Any of the technical features that are even not explicitly explained as “may be omitted” in the description hereof may be omitted appropriately unless the technical feature is described as essential herein.

The present application is a national phase entry of International Appl. No. PCT/JP2017/028561, filed Aug. 7, 2017; which claims priority from Japanese patent application 2016-158443 filed on Aug. 12, 2016 and Japanese patent application 2016-203316 filed on Oct. 17, 2016, the entireties of the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

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