Liquid holding container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid storage container in which air is difficult to be introduced into a filter chamber. The liquid storage container is a liquid storage container that stores liquid supplied to a liquid consumption device that consumes the liquid, and comprises: a storage chamber that stores liquid; a filter chamber that is provided with a filter and receives the liquid from the storage chamber and filters the liquid through the filter; and a partition wall that separates the storage chamber and the filter chamber. The partition wall has a connecting hole structure that connects the storage chamber and the filter chamber. The shape of one or more openings in the storage chamber of the connecting hole structure is a shape in which the distance from the center of gravity of the one or more openings as a whole to the nearest point in the outline that defines the one or more openings is less than the radius of a circle having the same area as the area of ​​the one or more openings as a whole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid container. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, liquid containers exist for holding liquids supplied to liquid-consuming devices such as inkjet printers. Patent Document 1's liquid container includes: a receiving chamber for holding liquid, and a filter chamber for capturing and removing foreign matter and air bubbles contained in the liquid. The filter chamber is located below the receiving chamber. The filter chamber is connected to the receiving chamber via a first connecting port located on the bottom surface of the receiving chamber. Liquid in the receiving chamber flows into the filter chamber by gravity through the first connecting port. The liquid is then supplied to the liquid-consuming device from the filter chamber via an outlet flow path and a liquid outlet. With this configuration, the liquid is supplied to the liquid-consuming device after foreign matter and air bubbles have been removed.

[0003] [Existing technical documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-18366

[0006] However, in the liquid container described in Patent Document 1, when the liquid container is tilted, and the liquid level in the container is close to the bottom of the container as the liquid is consumed, the following problem may occur: Near the outer periphery of the opening, the liquid flows towards the filter chamber, while on the other hand, an airflow occurs in the center of the opening, and air is introduced into the filter chamber. As a result, there is a possibility that liquid containing air bubbles may be supplied to the liquid consumption device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid container is provided. This liquid container is for containing liquid supplied to a liquid-consuming device, and comprises: a container chamber for containing liquid; a filter chamber having a filter and receiving the liquid from the container chamber and filtering the liquid through the filter; and a partition wall separating the container chamber and the filter chamber. The partition wall has a communicating hole structure communicating between the container chamber and the filter chamber. The shape of one or more openings of the communicating hole structure in the container chamber is such that the distance from the centroid of the entire opening to the nearest point defining the outline of the opening is less than the radius of a circle having an area equal to the area of ​​the entire opening. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a simplified three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of a liquid consumption device.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a first simplified perspective view of the liquid container according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a second simplified perspective view of the liquid container of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a third simplified perspective view of the liquid container according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a simplified top view of the liquid container according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a simplified side view of the liquid container according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a simplified bottom view of the liquid container according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a simplified front view of the liquid container according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a simplified rear view of the liquid container according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a simplified exploded perspective view of the liquid container according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a simplified side view of the open box component.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a simplified perspective view of an open box component with welded membrane parts.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the opening box component at the bottom of the containing chamber.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a simplified bottom view of the open box-shaped component.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the filter chamber.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a simplified perspective view of the end of the open box component viewed from below.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a top view of the first connecting port as seen from inside the containment chamber along the -Z direction.

[0025] Figure 18This is a top view of the first communication port as seen from inside the container along the -Z direction in the liquid-containing container of the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 19 This is a top view of the first connecting port as seen from inside the container along the -Z direction in the liquid-containing container of the third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 20 This is a top view of the first communication port as seen from inside the container along the -Z direction in the liquid-containing container of the fourth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 21 This is a top view of the first communication port as seen from inside the container along the -Z direction in the liquid-containing container of the fifth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 22 This is a top view of the first connecting port as seen from inside the container along the -Z direction in the liquid-containing container of the sixth embodiment.

[0030] [Label Explanation]

[0031] IC1: Imaginary circle; IC2: Imaginary circle; IC3: Imaginary circle; IC4: Imaginary circle; IC5: Imaginary circle; IC6: Imaginary circle; 10A: Liquid container; 10B: Liquid container; 10C: Liquid container; 10D: Liquid container; 10E: Liquid container; 10F: Liquid container; 11: Container body; 12: First end; 13: Second end; 15: First part; 16: Second part; 21: First wall; 22: Second wall; 22i: Inner wall surface; 22o: Outer wall surface; 23: Third wall ; 23s: Upper wall surface; 24: Fourth wall section; 24s: Bottom wall surface; 25: Fifth wall section; 26: Sixth wall section; 26s: Inner wall surface; 31: Reception chamber; 31b: Bottom surface; 31p: Partition wall; 31s: Step; 31u: Top surface; 33: Liquid outlet; 34: Outlet receiving recess; 35: Liquid inlet; 36: Inlet surrounding wall section; 38: Visual confirmation section; 40: Handle section; 41: Guide rail section; 42: Guide rail section; 50: Electrical connection section; 51: Recess; 55: Recess; 60: Opening box component; 60w: Wall section; 61a: First 61b: Second recess; 61c: Third recess; 62: Container cap component; 63: Membrane component; 64: Reinforcing wall; 65: Inner wall; 65e: Lower end; 66: Body wall; 66e: Outer peripheral end; 67: First peripheral wall; 67e: End portion; 67f: Filter chamber wall; 68: Second peripheral wall; 68e: Upper end; 70: Flow path; 71: Filter chamber; 71d: Downstream space; 71u: Upstream space; 72: Filter; 73: Rib; 74: Membrane component; 75: Filter support wall; 76a: First 76b: Second connecting port; 78: Outlet flow path; 79: Reinforcing rib; 80: Liquid receiving section; 85: Cover component; 110: Atmosphere inlet; 500: Liquid consumption device; 501: Device body; 502: Foot; 503: Wheel; 510: Control section; 511: Print head; 512: Bracket; 513: Tube; 515: Insertion port; 516: Media container; 517: Discharge port; 518: Operation section; 518b: Operation button; 518i: Display section; 520: Liquid supply section; 521: Container insertion port; A: Figure 14The areas shown are: A1: Area within the receiving chamber 31; A2: Area within the receiving chamber 31; Ac1: Arc; Ac2: Arc; DL1: Long side direction; DL2: Long side direction; DL5: Long side direction; DL6: Long side direction; FL: Arrow; FP1: Remote portion; FP11~FP14: Remote portion; FP2: Remote portion; FP21, FP22: Remote portion; FP3: Remote portion; FP31~FP38: Remote portion; FP4: Remote portion; FP41~FP4 6: Remote section; FP5: Remote section; FP51, FP52: Remote section; FP6: Remote section; FP61~FP64: Remote section; G1: Center of gravity; G2: Center of gravity; G3: Center of gravity; G4: Center of gravity; G5: Center of gravity; G6: Center of gravity; LL: Liquid surface; Ls1: Distance; Ls2: Distance; Ls3: Distance; Ls4: Distance; Ls5: Distance; Ls6: Distance; NP1: Approaching section; NP11, NP12: Approaching section; NP2: Approaching section; NP21: NP22: Approach portion; NP3: Approach portion; NP31-NP34: Approach portion; NP4: Approach portion; NP41-NP46: Approach portion; NP5: Approach portion; NP51, NP52: Approach portion; NP6: Approach portion; NP61, NP62: Approach portion; Op1: Opening; Op2: Opening; Op3: Opening; Op4: Opening; Op5: Opening; Op51: Opening; Op52: Opening; Op6: Opening; Op61: Opening; Op62: Opening; Op63: Opening; Op64: Opening; Op65: Opening; Op66: Opening; PA: Through area; R1: Radius; R2: Radius; R3: Radius; R4: Radius; R5: Radius; R6: Radius; SA1: Straight line; SA2: Straight line; SA3: Straight line; SA4: Straight line; SA5: Straight line; SA6: Straight line; SL1, SL2: Line segments; c1: First corner; c2: Second corner; c3: Third corner; c4: Fourth corner; s1: First side; s2: Second side. Detailed Implementation

[0032] A. First implementation method:

[0033] In reference Figure 1 After describing the structure of the liquid consumption device 500 equipped with the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment, refer to Figures 2-22 The structure of the liquid container 10A according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0034] A1. Structure of the liquid consumption device:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a simplified perspective view showing the structure of the liquid consumption device 500. Figure 1The diagram illustrates arrows X, Y, and Z representing three mutually orthogonal directions. Additionally, in other figures referenced in this specification, arrows X, Y, and Z also correspond to... Figure 1 That is illustrated appropriately.

[0036] The directions indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z correspond to the configuration orientation of the liquid consumption device 500 in its normal operating state. "Normal operating state" refers to the state in which the liquid consumption device 500 is positioned on a horizontal plane and in use. The following explanation is based on the orientation of the liquid consumption device 500 in its normal operating state. Furthermore, the directions indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z will be referred to as "X direction," "Y direction," and "Z direction," respectively. The direction indicated by arrow X in each X direction is called the "+X direction," and its opposite direction is called the "-X direction." Similarly, for the Y and Z directions, the directions indicated by arrows Y and Z are called the "+Y direction" and "+Z direction," respectively, and their opposite directions are called the "-Y direction" and "-Z direction," respectively.

[0037] Regarding the X, Y, and Z directions, they will be explained in the order of Z, Y, X. The Z direction is parallel to the direction of gravity. The -Z direction is the direction of gravity, and the +Z direction is the direction opposite to gravity. In this specification, when "up" or "down," it generally refers to the vertical direction based on the direction of gravity. The Y direction is parallel to the horizontal plane and represents the front-to-back direction (depth direction) of the liquid consumption device 500. The -Y direction is the direction from the front surface side of the liquid consumption device 500 towards the rear side, assuming the user is facing the liquid consumption device 500. The +Y direction is the direction from the rear side of the liquid consumption device 500 towards the front surface side. The X direction is parallel to the horizontal plane and represents the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the liquid consumption device 500. The +X direction represents the direction from left to right when facing the front surface of the liquid consumption device 500, and the -X direction represents the direction from right to left.

[0038] The liquid-consuming device 500 of the first embodiment is a device that consumes liquid. More specifically, the liquid-consuming device 500 is an inkjet printer. The liquid consumed by the liquid-consuming device 500 is ink. The liquid-consuming device 500 ejects ink toward a medium, where ink dots are recorded to form an image. The aforementioned medium is, for example, printing paper.

[0039] The liquid consumption device 500 includes a device body 501 and a foot 502. In a first embodiment, the device body 501 has a shape with its length along the X direction, and its width is greatest in the X direction. The foot 502 is disposed below the device body 501, supporting the device body 501 horizontally. Wheels 503 are provided on the foot 502 to facilitate smooth movement of the liquid consumption device 500.

[0040] The device body 501 internally includes a control unit 510, a print head 511, and a bracket 512. Figure 1 For clarity, the positions of the control unit 510, printhead 511, and carriage 512 are illustrated with dashed lines. The control unit 510 controls the operation of each component in the liquid consumption device 500. The control unit 510 is composed of a microcomputer having at least a central processing unit and a main storage device. The control unit 510 reads various programs into the main storage device via the central processing unit and executes them to perform various functions. The control unit 510 may also be composed of circuits instead of a microcomputer.

[0041] The printhead 511 sprays liquid toward the surface of a medium (not shown) being conveyed below it. The printhead 511 has a liquid chamber containing liquid and a plurality of nozzles (not shown) opening downward in the bottom surface of the liquid chamber. Under the control of the control unit 510, the printhead 511 sprays liquid from the nozzles by, for example, by applying pressure to the liquid in the liquid chamber using a piezoelectric element or other well-known methods.

[0042] The carriage 512 has a printhead 511 mounted on its lower surface, and the printhead 511 is moved in the main operating direction under the control of the control unit 510. In the first embodiment, the main scanning direction of the liquid consumption device 500 is along the X direction. The device body 501, as a drive mechanism for moving the carriage 512, includes a guide shaft for guiding the movement of the carriage 512, a motor for generating the driving force for moving the carriage 512, and a pulley for transmitting the driving force to the carriage 512. Further illustrations and detailed descriptions of these components are omitted.

[0043] An insertion port 515 for introducing a medium from the outside is provided at the upper end of the device body 501 on the -Y direction side. The insertion port 515 is configured as a slit-shaped opening extending in the X direction and opening in the +Z direction. A medium receiving portion 516 is provided below the insertion port 515. Inside the medium receiving portion 516, a medium different from the medium introduced from the insertion port 515 (not shown) is stored in a rolled-up state. An outlet 517 for discharging the medium is provided on the front surface of the device body 501. The outlet 517 is configured as a slit-shaped opening extending in the X direction and opening in the +Y direction.

[0044] In the liquid consumption device 500, media inserted through the insertion port 515 or media contained in the media receiving section 516 is conveyed downwards from the printhead 511 by a transport roller (not shown) disposed inside the device body 501. The media is conveyed along the Y direction in the area below the printhead 511. In the first embodiment, the sub-scanning direction of the liquid consumption device 500 is along the Y direction. The media passes through the area below the printhead 511 and is discharged from the discharge port 517.

[0045] In the liquid consumption device 500, the control unit 510 conveys the medium in the sub-scanning direction in the area below the printhead 511 while reciprocating the printhead 511 in the main scanning direction, so that ink droplets are ejected from the printhead 511 at a time predetermined based on the printing data. Thus, ink dots are recorded on the medium at positions determined based on the printing data, forming an image based on the printing data.

[0046] An operation section 518 is provided on the front surface of the device body 501. In the first embodiment, the operation section 518 is provided on the end in the +X direction direction. The operation section 518 has a display section 518i for displaying information for the user and a plurality of operation buttons 518b for accepting user operations.

[0047] The device body 501 includes a liquid supply unit 520. In the first embodiment, the liquid supply unit 520 is positioned below the operation unit 518 for easy access by the user operating the operation unit 518. The liquid supply unit 520 supplies liquid, which is the object to be ejected, to the print head 511. Multiple liquid receiving containers 10A are detachably mounted on the liquid supply unit 520. Figure 1 The image shows a configuration where five liquid-containing containers 10A are installed.

[0048] The liquid container 10A contains the liquid supplied to the liquid consumption device 500. The liquid supply unit 520 is equipped with a suction pump, which draws the liquid from the liquid container 10A through a flexible tube 513 and supplies it to the print head 511.

[0049] On the front surface of the device body 501, there is a container insertion port 521 that opens in the +Y direction for inserting a liquid holding container 10A. In the liquid consumption device 500, multiple liquid holding containers 10A are arranged side by side with respect to the container insertion ports 521 of the liquid supply unit 520 in the X direction. Each liquid holding container 10A contains ink of a different color.

[0050] In the liquid consumption device 500, the liquid container 10A is inserted relative to the liquid consumption device 500 in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity. In the first embodiment, the direction in which the liquid container 10A is inserted into the liquid consumption device 500 is the -Y direction. Hereinafter, the -Y direction, which is the direction in which the liquid container 10A is inserted relative to the liquid consumption device 500, will also be simply referred to as the "insertion direction".

[0051] In the liquid consumption device 500, each liquid container 10A is mounted on the liquid consumption device 500 with a portion protruding in the insertion direction. Hereinafter, the state in which each liquid container 10A is properly mounted on the liquid consumption device 500 will also be referred to as the "mounted state". Details regarding the mechanism of mounting the liquid container 10A relative to the liquid consumption device 500 will be described later.

[0052] A2. Structure of liquid containers:

[0053] A2-1. Overview of the external structure of a liquid container:

[0054] Reference Figures 2-9 This section provides a summary of the external structure of each liquid container 10A. Figure 2 This is a simplified three-dimensional view of the liquid container 10A as viewed from the +Y and +Z directions. Figure 3 This is a simplified three-dimensional view of the liquid container 10A as viewed from the -Y and +Z directions. Figure 4 This is a simplified three-dimensional view of the liquid container 10A as viewed from the -Y and -Z directions. Figure 5 This is a simplified top view of the liquid container 10A when viewed along the -Z direction. Figure 6 This is a simplified side view of the liquid container 10A when viewed along the +X direction. Figure 7 This is a simplified bottom view of the liquid container 10A when viewed along the +Z direction. Figure 8 This is a simplified front view of the liquid container 10A when viewed along the -Y direction. Figure 9 This is a simplified rear view of the liquid container 10A as viewed along the +Y direction. Furthermore, the descriptions of the X, Y, and Z directions of the liquid container 10A in this specification are based on the configuration of the liquid container 10A when it is mounted on the liquid consumption device 500 in its normal operating state.

[0055] A2-1-1. The wall of the container body:

[0056] The liquid container 10A has a container body 11 with an internally disposed chamber 31 for containing liquid. Figures 2-9For convenience, the location of the receiving chamber 31 is marked with a dashed line. The receiving chamber 31 is illustrated in the following reference. Figures 10-12 middle.

[0057] The container body 11 has a shape in which the Y direction along the insertion direction is defined as the length direction. That is, the container body 11 has a shape in which the length in the Y direction is longer than the length in the X and Z directions. In the first embodiment, the container body 11 has a generally cuboid shape, and the length in the Y direction is greater than the width in the X direction and the height in the Z direction (see reference). Figures 2-4 The width of the container body 11 in the X direction is smaller than its height in the Z direction (see reference). Figure 8 , Figure 9 The container body 11 is made of resin components such as polypropylene (PP).

[0058] The container body 11 has a first end 12 and a second end 13 as ends in its length direction (see reference). Figures 2-7 The first end 12 is the end on the insertion direction side, i.e., the -Y direction side. The second end 13 is the end on the opposite side to the insertion direction, i.e., the +Y direction side.

[0059] The container body 11 has a first part 15 and a second part 16 (see reference). Figures 2-7 The first part 15 is the part exposed outside the liquid consumption device 500 when the liquid container 10A is in the installed state, and it is the part further to the +Y direction side than the container insertion port 521 (see reference). Figure 1 The second part 16 is the part housed inside the liquid consumption device 500 when the liquid container 10A is in the installed state, and it is located further to the -Y direction side than the container insertion port 521. The aforementioned first end 12 is included in the second part 16, and the second end 13 is included in the first part 15.

[0060] The container body 11 has six wall portions 21 to 26 as described below, which are multiple wall portions. Furthermore, in this specification, the wall surface of a "wall portion" may not be planar; it may be curved, and may have recesses or protrusions, steps, grooves, bends, inclined surfaces, holes, slits, etc. In addition, in the following description, the term "intersection" of wall portions refers to one of the following states: the wall surfaces of each wall portion actually intersect each other; the extended surface of one wall portion intersects the wall surface of another wall portion; or the extended surfaces of the respective wall surfaces of two wall portions intersect each other. Chamfered portions forming curved surfaces may also be provided between intersecting wall portions.

[0061] The first wall portion 21 is the front wall portion, located on the insertion direction side of the receiving chamber 31, and has an outer wall surface facing the insertion direction (see reference). Figures 3-7 , Figure 9The second wall portion 22 is the rear end wall portion, located on the opposite side of the first wall portion 21 in the insertion direction, separated by the receiving chamber 31, and has an outer wall surface 22o facing in the direction opposite to the insertion direction (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 8 Additionally, as will be referred to later. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in the diagram, the inner wall surface 22i of the second wall portion 22, which is opposite to the outer wall surface 22o, faces the receiving chamber 31.

[0062] The third wall portion 23 is the top wall portion, which intersects with the first wall portion 21 and the second wall portion 22 at both ends in the Y direction (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 The third wall portion 23 has an upper wall surface 23s. The upper wall surface 23s is the outer wall surface of the liquid receiving container 10A along the insertion direction, located above the receiving chamber 31, and is an upward-facing outer wall surface.

[0063] The fourth wall portion 24 is the bottom wall portion, intersecting with the first wall portion 21 and the second wall portion 22 at both ends in the Y direction, and facing the third wall portion 23 in the Z direction across the receiving chamber (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 In this specification, the term "opposite" includes both a state in which objects facing each other are directly facing each other and a state in which objects facing each other are indirectly facing each other with other objects in between. The fourth wall portion 24 has a bottom wall surface 24s. The bottom wall surface 24s is the outer wall surface of the liquid receiving container 10A along the insertion direction, located below and facing downwards from the receiving chamber 31.

[0064] The fifth wall portion 25 is the left side wall portion, located on the left side of the receiving chamber 31 when the liquid receiving container 10A is viewed along the insertion direction (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 8 The fifth wall portion 25 intersects with the first wall portion 21, the second wall portion 22, the third wall portion 23, and the fourth wall portion 24 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 ).

[0065] The sixth wall portion 26 is the right side wall portion, located on the right side of the receiving chamber 31 when the liquid receiving container 10A is viewed along the insertion direction (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The sixth wall portion 26 intersects with the first wall portion 21, the second wall portion 22, the third wall portion 23 and the fourth wall portion 24, and is opposite the fifth wall portion 25 in the X direction across the receiving chamber 31.

[0066] A2-1-2. Liquid outlet:

[0067] Liquid container 10A has a liquid outlet 33 (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 9 The liquid outlet 33 is connected to the liquid consumption device 500 in the installed state, allowing the liquid in the receiving chamber 31 to flow out into the liquid consumption device 500. The liquid outlet 33 is provided on the first end 12 side of the container body 11 in the insertion direction. The liquid outlet 33 is open in the insertion direction on the first wall portion 21. The liquid outlet 33 is provided in a recess 34 in the first wall portion 21 that is recessed in the +Y direction. Hereinafter, the recess 34 will also be referred to as the "outlet receiving recess 34". The structure of the liquid flow path connecting the receiving chamber 31 and the liquid outlet 33 provided inside the container body 11 and the function of the outlet receiving recess 34 will be described later.

[0068] A2-1-3. Liquid Inlet:

[0069] Liquid container 10A has a liquid inlet 35 (reference) Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 ).exist Figure 2 The illustration shows the cover component 85 open and the liquid inlet 35 exposed. Figure 3 The image shows the state where the cover component 85 is closed and the liquid inlet 35 is sealed. Figure 3 , Figure 5 For convenience, the position of liquid inlet 35 is marked with a dashed line.

[0070] The liquid inlet 35 communicates with the receiving chamber 31. The liquid inlet 35 receives liquid injected by a user from the outside of the container body 11 into the receiving chamber 31. The liquid inlet 35 is located on the second end 13 side of the container body 11 in the insertion direction. The liquid inlet 35 is located in the third wall portion 23, which is the top wall portion, closer to the second wall portion 22, which is the rear end wall portion, than to the first wall portion 21, which is the front end wall portion. The liquid inlet 35 is surrounded by an inlet perimeter wall portion 36. The inlet perimeter wall portion 36 is a cylindrical wall portion that protrudes upwards within the third wall portion 23.

[0071] The liquid inlet 35 is located at the first part 15 exposed outside the liquid consumption device 500 in the installed state (see reference). Figure 1 Therefore, the user can replenish the liquid container 10A with the liquid container 10A installed on the liquid consumption device 500. The structure around the liquid inlet 35, including the cover member 85, and the liquid filling operation performed by the user on the liquid inlet 35 will be described later.

[0072] A2-2. Overview of the assembly structure and internal structure of liquid containers:

[0073] Reference Figures 10-12 This section provides a summary of the assembly structure and internal structure of the liquid container 10A. Figure 10 This is a simplified exploded perspective view of the liquid container 10A. Figure 11 This is a simplified side view of the open box component 60 when viewed along the +X direction. Figure 12 This is a simplified perspective view of the open box component 60 of the film-coated component 63.

[0074] The container body 11 of the liquid container 10A is composed of an open box component 60, a container lid component 62, and a membrane component 63 (see reference). Figure 10 The open box component 60 is a box-shaped component with a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, opening in the -X direction, which is a direction intersecting the insertion direction (see reference). Figure 10 , Figure 11 ).

[0075] The open-top housing component 60 has walls comprising a first wall portion 21, a second wall portion 22, a third wall portion 23, a fourth wall portion 24, and a sixth wall portion 26 constituting the liquid container 10A (see reference). Figure 10 , Figure 11 The liquid outlet 33, liquid inlet 35, recess 51 for the electrical connection part 50, guide rails 41 and 42, handle part 40, and multiple recesses 55 mentioned above are provided on the open box component 60.

[0076] The open-box component 60 has three recesses 61a, 61b, and 61c that are recessed in the +X direction and open in the -X direction (see reference). Figure 11 The first recess 61a opens in a direction intersecting the insertion direction between the wall portion constituting the third wall portion 23 (which serves as the top wall portion) and the wall portion constituting the fourth wall portion 24 (which serves as the bottom wall portion). The internal space of the first recess 61a constitutes a receiving chamber 31. Hereinafter, the first recess 61a will also be referred to as the "receiving chamber recess 61a". The internal space of the receiving chamber recess 61a has a generally rectangular shape. The internal space of the receiving chamber recess 61a is formed over the entire open box member 60. The receiving chamber 31 is formed by the receiving chamber recess 61a in a shape that extends along the length direction of the container body 11 inside the container body 11.

[0077] Multiple reinforcing wall portions 64 (see reference) are provided within the recess 61a of the receiving chamber. Figure 10 , Figure 11The reinforcing wall portion 64 functions as a rib to suppress deformation of the wall portion of the open box component 60. In the first embodiment, three reinforcing wall portions 64 are provided. Each reinforcing wall portion 64 extends throughout the receiving chamber recess 61a in the Z direction. In this specification, "extends" means a state of continuous extension in a certain direction. The reinforcing wall portions 64 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y direction within the receiving chamber recess 61a.

[0078] Each reinforcing wall portion 64 is connected to the wall portion constituting the third wall portion 23, the wall portion constituting the fourth wall portion 24, and the wall portion constituting the sixth wall portion 26. The end face of each reinforcing wall portion 64 in the -X direction is located further in the +X direction than the end faces of the wall portions constituting the first wall portion 21, the second wall portion 22, the third wall portion 23, and the fourth wall portion 24 in the -X direction. The end face of each reinforcing wall portion 64 in the -X direction is not welded to the membrane component 63 (see reference). Figure 12 In the liquid container 10A, by forming a space between the end face of each reinforcing wall 64 on the -X direction side and the membrane member 63, the liquid can be distributed in the Y direction within the receiving chamber 31. Alternatively, in the liquid container 10A, a recessed portion extending towards the +X direction can be provided on the end face of the reinforcing wall 64 on the -X direction side, and the membrane member 63 can be welded onto the portion of the end face of the reinforcing wall 64 on the -X direction side, excluding this recess. In this configuration, the recess functions as a flow path for liquid circulation within the receiving chamber 31.

[0079] An inner wall portion 65 is provided within the recess 61a of the receiving chamber (see reference). Figure 10 , Figure 11 The inner wall portion 65 extends downward from the top surface 31u side of the receiving chamber 31 toward the bottom surface 31b, with its lower end 65e located between the top surface 31u and the bottom surface 31b of the receiving chamber 31. The inner wall portion 65 extends throughout the entire X-direction within the recess 61a of the receiving chamber. The +X direction end of the inner wall portion 65 is connected to the inner wall surface 26s of the sixth wall portion 26, which serves as the wall surface of the receiving chamber 31 side. The -X direction end of the inner wall portion 65 is welded to the membrane member 63 (see reference) constituting the -X direction side inner wall surface of the receiving chamber 31. Figure 10 )superior.

[0080] The internal space of the recess 61a, i.e., the receiving chamber 31, is divided into two adjacent regions A1 and A2 in the insertion direction, sandwiching the inner wall portion 65 (see reference). Figure 11The inner wall portion 65 is positioned closer to the second wall portion 22 than to the first wall portion 21 in the insertion direction. The inner wall portion 65 is located further in the insertion direction than the liquid inlet 35. In the first embodiment, the inner wall portion 65 hangs from the top surface 31u of the receiving chamber 31 below the inlet periphery wall portion 36 located on the insertion direction side of the liquid inlet 35. Details regarding the structure and function of the inner wall portion 65 will be described later. Furthermore, the aforementioned plurality of reinforcing wall portions 64 are provided in region A1 on the -Y direction side of the inner wall portion 65.

[0081] The interior space of the second recess 61b constitutes an atmosphere inlet 110, serving as a passage for introducing external gas into the receiving chamber 31. The second recess 61b is disposed above the receiving chamber recess 61a. The width of the second recess 61b in the Z direction is significantly smaller than the width of the receiving chamber recess 61a in the Z direction. The second recess 61b extends in the Y direction from the center of the receiving chamber 31 toward the first wall portion 21. Details regarding the atmosphere inlet 110 formed by the second recess 61b will be described later.

[0082] The third recess 61c forms part of the outlet flow path 78, which serves as a flow path for the liquid connecting the filter chamber 71 to the liquid outlet 33. Figure 11 Since the liquid outlet 33 and the filter chamber 71 are obscured and not visible, their positions are marked with dashed lines. The structure of the filter chamber 71 will be described later. The third recess 61c bends along the corner of the receiving chamber recess 61a in the +Z direction from the lower end region of the end on the -Y direction side of the receiving chamber recess 61a, and extends in the +Z direction to the liquid outlet 33.

[0083] The openings of the three recesses 61a, 61b, and 61c of the open housing component 60 are commonly closed by the membrane component 63 (see reference). Figure 12 The membrane component 63 is made of a raw material that is flexible, gas-barrier, and liquid-permeable. The membrane component 63 is, for example, made of a resin membrane such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene.

[0084] The membrane component 63 is fused onto the end face of the wall portion 60w that surrounds the three recesses 61a, 61b, and 61c of the open box component 60 (see reference). Figure 12 The wall portion 60w protrudes in the -X direction, and its end face is flush with the wall portion 65 in the -X direction. The membrane component 63 is fused onto the end face of the inner wall portion 65 in the -X direction. The end face of the wall portion 60w in the -X direction and the end face of the inner wall portion 65 in the -X direction are flush with each other in the -X direction.

[0085] In the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment, by fusing the membrane member 63 with the open box member 60, a space constituting the containment chamber 31, the atmosphere inlet 110, and the outlet flow path 78 are simply formed inside the container body 11. In the liquid container 10A, the sealing performance of the liquid in the containment chamber 31 is improved by fusing the membrane member 63. Furthermore, the use of a lightweight and thin membrane member 63 achieves weight reduction and miniaturization of the liquid container 10A.

[0086] In the liquid container 10A, the membrane component 63, which is fused onto the open box component 60, is covered by the container cover component 62 (see reference). Figure 10 The container lid component 62 has a body wall portion 66 and two peripheral walls portions 67 and 68. The body wall portion 66 is a flat plate portion that constitutes the fifth wall portion 25 of the container body 11 and has a generally rectangular shape.

[0087] The first peripheral wall portion 67 is provided at the upper and lower ends of the body wall portion 66, forming an edge portion that protrudes in an eave-like shape in the +X direction (see reference). Figure 10 Additionally, in Figure 10 In the middle, the peripheral wall 67 located at the lower end of the main body wall 66 is obscured and not visible. The peripheral wall 67 extends along the insertion direction (-Y direction). When the container cap component 62 is mounted on the opening box component 60, it is disposed on the outer wall surface of the opening box component 60, forming part of the third wall 23 and the fourth wall 24 of the container body 11 (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 7 The peripheral wall 67 functions as a positioning part for positioning the container lid part 62 relative to the opening box part 60 (details will be described later).

[0088] The second peripheral wall portion 68 is provided at the end of the main body wall portion 66 on the +Y direction side, forming an edge portion that protrudes in an eave shape in the +X direction (see reference). Figure 2 The lower end of the peripheral wall portion 68 on the -Z direction side is connected to the end of the first peripheral wall portion 67 on the +Y direction side, which is provided on the lower end side of the body wall portion 66. When the container lid component 62 is mounted on the open box component 60, the peripheral wall portion 68 is disposed on the outer wall surface of the open box component 60, forming part of the second wall portion 22 of the container body 11. The upper end portion 68e of the peripheral wall portion 68 on the +Z direction side is located further on the -Z direction side than the upper end of the second wall portion 22. The reason for this will be explained later.

[0089] The body wall portion 66 of the container cap component 62 has an outer peripheral end portion 66e (see reference) on the +Y direction side of the peripheral wall portion 67 provided at the upper end of the body wall portion 66, which is an end portion extending in a straight line along the Y direction. Figure 10When the container cap component 62 is mounted on the open housing component 60, the outer peripheral end 66e is positioned along the liquid receiving portion 80 (described later) provided around the liquid inlet 35 (see reference). Figure 2 Furthermore, the outer peripheral end 66e is positioned along the cover member 85 in a state where the liquid inlet 35 is closed (see reference). Figure 3 The peripheral wall portion 67 located at the lower end of the container lid component 62 has an end portion 67e disposed along the handle portion 40 on the +Y direction side (see reference). Figure 7 The functions of the outer peripheral end 66e and the end portion 67e will be described later.

[0090] Thus, in the liquid container 10A, the container cover component 62 is mounted on the open box component 60 to close the opening of the receiving chamber recess 61a (see reference). Figure 10 Furthermore, the body wall 66 of the container cap component 62 is configured as a side wall that intersects with the upper wall surface 23s and serves as the outer wall surface of the container body 11 along the insertion direction, that is, the outer wall surface of the fifth wall portion 25 (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the liquid-containing container 10A, the membrane component 63 is protected by the container cap component 62 (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0091] Furthermore, in the liquid container 10A, the peripheral walls 67 and 68 of the container lid member 62 are overlapped on the walls of the third wall 23 constituting the open box member 60, the walls constituting the fourth wall 24, and the walls constituting the second wall 22 (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 Therefore, in the liquid container 10A, a large gap is suppressed between the exposed opening box part 60 and the container cover part 62.

[0092] A2-3. The flow path of the liquid connecting the receiving chamber to the liquid outlet:

[0093] A2-3-1. Structure of the flow path:

[0094] Plus Figures 13-16 As a reference, the structure of the liquid flow path 70 in the liquid container 10A, which connects the container chamber 31 to the liquid outlet 33, will be described. Figure 13 Therefore Figure 11 A simplified cross-sectional view of the open box component 60 taken from line 13-13 is shown. Figure 13 This indicates the bottom surface 31b of the receiving chamber 31 as viewed along the -Z direction. Figure 13 In the diagram, the positions of the liquid outlet 33 and liquid inlet 35 when observing the liquid container 10A along the -Z direction are shown with dashed lines. Figure 14 It is Figure 13 A simplified bottom view of the portion of the open box component 60 contained in area A as viewed along the +Z direction. Figure 14 This refers to the filter chamber 71 located within the fourth wall section 24. Figure 15 This is a simplified cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-sectional structure of the filter chamber 71 taken along the Y direction. Figure 16 This is a simplified perspective view of the end of the open box component 60, which is provided with the filter chamber 71, viewed from below.

[0095] exist Figure 16 The diagram illustrates the flow of liquid from the receiving chamber 31 to the liquid outlet 33, indicated by arrow FL. Within the container body 11 of the liquid receiving container 10A, a liquid flow path 70 is provided that connects the receiving chamber 31 to the liquid outlet 33 (see reference). Figure 16 The flow path 70 includes a filter chamber 71 and an outlet flow path 78.

[0096] Filter chamber 71 is a space that houses filter 72, which captures and removes foreign matter or air bubbles contained in the liquid (see reference). Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 The filter 72 is disposed between the receiving chamber 31 and the liquid outlet 33. The filter chamber 71 receives liquid from the receiving chamber 31 and filters the liquid through the filter 72. In addition, in this specification, the foreign matter in the liquid captured and removed by the filter 72 includes not only substances not contained in the liquid components, but also particles that are dispersed as liquid components and agglomerate into particles larger than a specified size.

[0097] The filter chamber 71 is located below the receiving chamber 31 (see reference). Figure 14 as well as Figure 16 The containment chamber 31 and the filter chamber 71 are separated by a partition wall 31p (see reference). Figure 15 The filter chamber 71 is disposed inside the fourth wall portion 24 of the container body 11 (see reference). Figure 7 as well as Figure 13 ).exist Figure 7 and Figure 13 Since the filter chamber 71 is obscured and not visible, its position is indicated by a dashed line. When the liquid container 10A is viewed along the Z direction, the filter chamber 71 and the liquid inlet 35 are aligned along the insertion direction, in other words, along the Y direction (see reference). Figure 13 (Left and right parts). The filter chamber 71 is formed on the -Z direction side of the wall of the opening box member 60 that constitutes the fourth wall part 24 of the container body 11 as a recessed space surrounded by a rib 73 protruding in the -Z direction (see reference). Figure 14 as well as Figure 16 ).

[0098] After the filter 72 is positioned within the recessed space, the membrane component 74 is welded onto the rib 73. As a result, the opening of the recessed space constituting the filter chamber 71 is sealed by the membrane component 74 (see reference). Figure 10 as well as Figure 15 ).exist Figure 14 The area where the membrane component 74 is positioned is indicated by a single-dotted line. When the container cover component 62 is mounted on the open housing component 60, the filter chamber wall 67f of the container cover component 62 covers the membrane component 74 (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 7 The filter chamber wall portion 67f is part of the peripheral wall portion 67. Furthermore, the peripheral wall portion 67 is provided on the end of the container cover member 62 on the -Z direction side. The filter chamber wall portion 67f is configured to abut against the end of the second track portion 42 on the -Y direction side (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0099] The filter 72 is composed of a membrane-like component with fine pores. The filter 72 allows liquid to pass through in the thickness direction via the fine pores, removing foreign matter and air bubbles contained in the liquid that are larger than the diameter of the pores (see reference). Figure 15 The filter 72 is joined and supported on the filter support wall 75 with its thickness direction aligned with the Z-direction. The filter support wall 75 is a protrusion projecting from the top of the filter chamber 71 in the Z-direction. The outer periphery of the area surrounded by the filter support wall 75 follows the outer periphery of the filter 72.

[0100] In the liquid container 10A, the outer periphery of the filter 72, that is, the shape of the filter 72 when viewed along the thickness direction, is approximately quadrilateral (see reference). Figure 14 In the first embodiment, the outer periphery of the filter 72 is approximately parallelogram-shaped. The filter 72 has a first side s1 located on the insertion direction side, i.e., the -Y direction side, and a second side s2 located opposite to the insertion direction, i.e., the Y direction side, relative to the first side s1. The filter 72 has first diagonal portions c1 and c2 at both ends of the first side s1, and second diagonal portions c3 and c4 at both ends of the second side s2. One of the first diagonal portions c1 and c2, corner c1, is located at a position that protrudes further towards the insertion direction side, i.e., the -Y direction side, than the other diagonal portion c2. One of the second diagonal portions c3 and c4, corner c3, is located at a position that protrudes further towards the opposite direction of the insertion direction, i.e., the Y direction side, than the other diagonal portion c4.

[0101] The filter chamber 71 is divided by the filter 72 into an upstream space 71u located upstream of the filter 72 and a downstream space 71d located downstream of the filter 72 (see reference). Figure 15The upstream space 71u is connected to the receiving chamber 31 via a first connecting port 76a and a second connecting port 76b. The downstream space 71d is a space surrounded by the filter support wall 75 and is connected to the outlet flow path 78 (see reference). Figure 15 , Figure 16 The upstream space 71u is located below the filter 72 and the downstream space 71d.

[0102] The first connecting port 76a and the second connecting port 76b, which connect to the upstream space 71u, open on the bottom surface 31b of the receiving chamber 31 (see reference). Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 16 The first connecting port 76a is positioned in the insertion direction, i.e., the -Y direction, closer to the liquid inlet 35 than the filter chamber 71 (see reference). Figure 13 The first connecting port 76a is located in the X direction closer to the fifth wall portion 25 than to the sixth wall portion 26 (see reference). Figure 13 The first connecting port 76a is located closer to the third corner c3 than to the fourth corner c4 of the filter 72 (see reference). Figure 14 ).

[0103] The second connection port 76b is located on the opposite side of the first connection port 76a, across the filter 72 in the insertion direction, i.e., the -Y direction. The second connection port 76b is located closer to the liquid outlet 33 than the filter chamber 71. In the X direction, the second connection port 76b is located closer to the sixth wall portion 26 than to the fifth wall portion 25. The second connection port 76b is located closer to the first corner c1 of the filter 72 than to the second corner c2.

[0104] As described above, the first connecting port 76a is positioned in the X direction closer to the fifth wall portion 25 than to the sixth wall portion 26 (see reference). Figure 13 Therefore, liquid passing between the reinforcing wall 64 and the membrane component 63 easily flows into the filter chamber 71 via the first connection port 76a. Furthermore, the first connection port 76a and the second connection port 76b are located on the bottom surface 31b via step 31s (see reference). Figure 13 The opening is slightly raised from the surrounding surface. Therefore, foreign objects that have settled to the lower surface of the bottom surface 31b are prevented from flowing over the step 31s into the first connecting port 76a and the second connecting port 76b.

[0105] The rib 73 surrounding the filter chamber 71 is formed to surround the filter 72, the first communication port 76a, and the second communication port 76b along their outer peripheral contour lines (see reference). Figure 14On the outside of the filter chamber 71, reinforcing ribs 79 are formed in a grid pattern to enhance the strength of the periphery of the filter chamber 71. As a result, deformation of the wall around the filter chamber 71 is suppressed, and peeling of the filter 72 and membrane component 74 is suppressed.

[0106] A2-3-2. Structure of the first connecting port:

[0107] Figure 17 This is a top view of the first communication port 76a as seen from inside the receiving chamber 31 along the -Z direction. The partition wall 31p separating the receiving chamber 31 and the filter chamber 71 has the first communication port 76a (see reference). Figure 15 The first connection port 76a connects the receiving chamber 31 and the filter chamber 71. The first connection port 76a has an opening Op1 in the receiving chamber 31 (see reference). Figure 17 ).

[0108] The shape of the opening Op1 of the first communication port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 is defined by a pair of parallel line segments SL1 and SL2 of the same length, and a pair of arcs Ac1 and Ac2 connecting the two sets of ends of the pair of line segments SL1 and SL2 respectively. Arcs Ac1 and Ac2 are part of the circumference of the same circle. The shape of the opening Op1 is such that the X direction is the long side direction DL1 and the Y direction is the short side direction.

[0109] By configuring it in this way, a mold for manufacturing the partition wall 31p having the first communication opening 76a can be easily constructed. By removing only a fixed dimension from the ends of a round bar with a circular cross-section clamping both sides of the central axis toward the central axis, a bar with the same cross-sectional shape having the shape of the opening Op1 can be produced. By using this bar as the part in the mold for manufacturing the partition wall 31p for generating the opening Op1, the opening Op1 can be easily set.

[0110] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op1 of the first communication port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 is such that the distance Ls1 from the centroid G1 of the entire opening Op1 to the nearest points NP11 and NP12 in the outline of the defined opening Op1 is less than the radius R1 of an imaginary circle IC1 having an area equal to the overall area of ​​the opening Op1. Furthermore, points NP11 and NP12 are labeled as point NP1 without distinction.

[0111] When the liquid container 10A is tilted with the +Y side lower than the -Y side in the Y direction, the ink in the container chamber 31 is consumed. When the liquid level LL approaches the bottom surface 31b of the container chamber 31, i.e., the partition wall 31p, the following situation may occur: there is a possibility that air and ink may enter the filter chamber 71 together from the opening Op1 (see reference). Figure 11 (LL and 71). However, according to this embodiment, compared to a circular shape that is an imaginary circle IC1 having the same opening area as the opening area of ​​the opening Op1, the shape of the opening in the receiving chamber 31 makes it difficult for air to circulate in the center of the opening Op1, even when the liquid surface in the receiving chamber 31 is close to the partition wall 31p. Therefore, the possibility of liquid containing air bubbles being supplied to the liquid consumption device 500 can be reduced. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0112] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op1 in the receiving chamber 31 of the first connecting port 76a includes: approaching portions NP11 and NP12 whose distance to the centroid G1 of the opening Op1 is less than the radius R1 of the imaginary circle IC1; and distant portions FP11, FP12, FP13, and FP14 whose distance to the centroid G1 is greater than the radius R1 of the imaginary circle IC1. Furthermore, if points FP11, FP12, FP13, and FP14 are not distinguished, they are labeled as point FP1.

[0113] As a result, because the ink flowing along the adjacent portions NP11 and NP12 is close to each other, it is difficult to create an airflow area in the center of the ink flowing through the opening Op1. On the other hand, by having spaced portions FP11, FP12, FP13, and FP14 in the opening Op1, the area of ​​the opening Op1 can be increased compared to a circular shape with a radius Ls1. As a result, more ink can flow from the receiving chamber 31 toward the filter chamber 71 through the first connecting port 76a per unit time.

[0114] The long side direction DL1 of the shape of the opening Op1 is perpendicular to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10A (refer to...). Figure 17 as well as Figure 13 The long side direction DL1 is also perpendicular to the Z direction. Due to the tilt of the liquid container 10A, the ink in the container chamber 31 is prone to drift to one end of the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10A. However, by arranging it in this way, regardless of the tilt direction of the liquid container 10A, it is possible to create a part in the center of the opening Op1 where airflow is difficult to occur.

[0115] The shape of the opening Op1 is symmetrical with respect to the straight line SA1, which is parallel to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10A. By arranging it in this way, the deviation of the flowing liquid about both sides of the opening Op1 sandwiched between the straight line SA1 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to minimize airflow in the center of the opening Op1.

[0116] A2-3-3. Liquid flow in a flow path:

[0117] Reference Figure 15 , Figure 16 This describes the flow of liquid in flow path 70. Liquid in receiving chamber 31 flows through the first connecting port 76a and the second connecting port 76b into the upstream space 71u of filter chamber 71 (see reference). Figure 15 (See arrow FL). The liquid flows inside filter 72 in the opposite direction to gravity and flows into the downstream space 71d. At this time, foreign matter and air bubbles mixed in with the liquid remain in the upstream space 71u. The liquid flowing into the downstream space 71d flows through the outlet flow path 78 connected to the downstream space 71d and then flows towards the liquid outlet 33 (see...). Figure 16 (The arrow FL).

[0118] Reference Figure 13 In the liquid container 10A, the filter 72 is positioned closer to the liquid outlet 33 than to the liquid inlet 35 in the insertion direction. This allows foreign matter mixed in with the liquid injected via the liquid inlet 35 to settle before reaching the filter 72. This suppresses the arrival of foreign matter in the filter 72, preventing clogging. Furthermore, by injecting liquid from the liquid inlet 35, even if air bubbles are mixed in with the liquid in the container 31, the amount of air bubbles reaching the filter 72 is reduced. Because the distance between the liquid outlet 33 and the filter 72 is shorter, the pressure loss between them is reduced. This reduces the suction force generated in the suction pump of the liquid consumption device 500 that draws liquid towards the liquid outlet 33.

[0119] In the liquid container 10A, the filter chamber 71 is located below the container chamber 31 (see reference). Figure 15 Therefore, by means of gravity, liquid can be guided from the container 31 to the filter chamber 71, thus smoothing the flow of liquid into the filter chamber 71. As a result, the flow of liquid from the liquid container 10A to the liquid consumption device 500 becomes smoother, improving the liquid supply performance of the liquid container 10A to the liquid consumption device 500.

[0120] In the liquid container 10A, the upstream space 71u of the filter chamber 71 is located lower than the filter 72 and the downstream space 71d, and the liquid in the filter chamber 71 passes through the filter 72 in the opposite direction to gravity. Therefore, foreign matter removed from the liquid by the filter 72 can settle to the bottom of the filter 72 by gravity. Thus, the occurrence of clogging of the filter 72 is further suppressed.

[0121] In the liquid container 10A, the receiving chamber 31 and the filter chamber 71 are connected by a first connecting port 76a and a second connecting port 76b. The first connecting port 76a is located closer to the liquid inlet 35, and the second connecting port 76b is located further to the -Y direction than the first connecting port 76a and is located further from the liquid inlet 35. Thus, when liquid is injected into the empty receiving chamber 31, liquid can flow from the first connecting port 76a into the upstream space 71u of the filter chamber 71, while air in the upstream space 71u is dissipated from the second connecting port 76b into the receiving chamber 31 (see reference). Figure 15 (arrow AF). This prevents air from accumulating in the upstream space 71u of the filter chamber 71, thus preventing the obstruction of liquid replenishment to the filter chamber 71 and the decline in liquid supply performance to the liquid consumption device 500 due to such air accumulating.

[0122] In the liquid container 10A, the first corner c1 of the filter 72 is located protruding further towards the insertion direction than the second corner c2, and the third corner c3 is located protruding further towards the opposite direction to the insertion direction than the fourth corner c4 (see reference). Figure 14 That is, the first corner c1 is located further towards the -Y direction than the second corner c2, and the third corner c3 is located further towards the +Y direction than the fourth corner c4. Furthermore, the outer periphery shape of the liquid passage area PA on the filter 72, which is surrounded by the filter support wall 75, is also designed to follow the outer periphery shape of the filter 72. Therefore, compared to the case where the outer periphery shape of the filter 72 is made into a rectangular shape with corners at the positions of the second corner c2 and the fourth corner c4, and the outer periphery shape of the liquid passage area PA is made into a shape that matches it, the area of ​​the liquid passage area PA in the filter 72 is increased under the condition of limited width in the X direction. This correspondingly improves the removal effect of foreign matter from the filter 72. In addition, the outer periphery shape of the filter 72 is inconsistent when its surface is reversed. Therefore, the identification of the top and bottom surfaces of the filter 72 is facilitated. This simplifies the assembly process of the filter 72 relative to the container body 11 of the liquid holding container 10A.

[0123] In the liquid container 10A, the filter chamber 71 is exposed to the outside by removing the container cover component 62 from the open housing component 60 (see reference). Figure 7 , Figure 16 Therefore, filter 72 can be easily replaced and maintained.

[0124] The first connecting port 76a in this embodiment is also referred to as the "connecting hole structure".

[0125] B. Second implementation method:

[0126] In the liquid container 10B of the second embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the first communication port 76a is different from that of the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment. Other aspects are the same as those of the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment.

[0127] Figure 18 This is a top view of the first communication port 76a as seen from inside the containment chamber 31 along the -Z direction in the liquid containment container 10B of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the first communication port 76a has an opening Op2 in the containment chamber 31.

[0128] The opening Op2 of the first connecting port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 is elliptical. The shape of the opening Op2 is such that the X direction is the long side DL2 and the Y direction is the short side.

[0129] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op2 of the first communication port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 is such that the distance Ls2 from the centroid G2 of the entire opening Op2 to the nearest points NP21 and NP22 in the outline of the defined opening Op2 is less than the radius R2 of an imaginary circle IC2 having an area equal to the area of ​​the entire opening Op2. Furthermore, points NP21 and NP22 are labeled as point NP2 without distinction.

[0130] In this embodiment, compared to a circular shape where the imaginary circle IC2 has the same opening area as the opening Op2, the shape of the opening in the receiving chamber 31 makes it difficult for air to circulate in the center of the opening Op2, even when the liquid level in the receiving chamber 31 is close to the partition wall 31p. Therefore, the possibility of liquid containing air bubbles being supplied to the liquid consumption device 500 can be reduced. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0131] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op2 includes: close portions NP21 and NP22 that are at a distance from the centroid G2 of the opening Op2 that is less than the radius R2 of the imaginary circle IC2; and distant portions FP21 and FP22 that are at a distance from the centroid G2 that is greater than the radius R2 of the imaginary circle IC2. Furthermore, if points FP21 and FP22 are not distinguished, they are labeled as point FP2.

[0132] As a result, because the ink flowing along the adjacent portions NP21 and NP22 is close to each other, it is difficult to create an airflow area in the center of the ink flowing through the opening Op2. On the other hand, because the opening Op2 has spaced portions FP21 and FP22, the area of ​​the opening Op2 can be increased compared to a circular shape with a radius Ls2. As a result, more ink can flow from the receiving chamber 31 toward the filter chamber 71 through the first communication port 76a per unit time.

[0133] The long side direction DL2 of the opening Op2 is perpendicular to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10B. Because the liquid container 10B is tilted, the ink in the containment chamber 31 is prone to shift to one end along the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10B. However, by arranging it in this way, regardless of the tilt direction of the liquid container 10B, it is possible to create a portion in the center of the opening Op2 where airflow is difficult to occur.

[0134] The shape of the opening Op2 is symmetrical with respect to the straight line SA2, which is parallel to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10B. By arranging it in this way, the deviation of the flowing liquid about both sides of the opening Op2, which sandwiches the straight line SA2, is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to minimize airflow in the center of the opening Op2.

[0135] C. Third implementation method:

[0136] In the liquid container 10C of the third embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the first communication port 76a is different from that of the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment. Other aspects are the same as those of the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment.

[0137] Figure 19 This is a top view of the first communication port 76a as seen from inside the containment chamber 31 along the -Z direction in the liquid containment container 10C of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the first communication port 76a has an opening Op3 in the containment chamber 31.

[0138] The shape of the opening Op3 of the first connecting port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 is a cross shape, in which the centers of gravity of the rectangles are aligned and their long sides overlap in mutually perpendicular relative positions. The shape of the opening Op3 is such that the vertices of the rectangles are inscribed in the same circle. As a result, the shape of the opening Op3 does not have a long side direction and a short side direction.

[0139] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op3 of the first communication port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 is such that the distance Ls3 from the centroid G3 of the entire opening Op3 to the nearest points NP31, NP32, NP33, and NP34 in the defined outline of the opening Op3 is less than the radius R3 of an imaginary circle IC3 having an area equal to the area of ​​the entire opening Op3. Furthermore, points NP31, NP32, NP33, and NP34 are labeled as point NP3 without distinction.

[0140] In this embodiment, compared to a circular shape where the imaginary circle IC3 has the same opening area as the opening Op3, the shape of the opening in the receiving chamber 31 makes it difficult for air to circulate in the center of the opening Op3, even when the liquid level in the receiving chamber 31 is close to the partition wall 31p. Therefore, the possibility of liquid containing air bubbles being supplied to the liquid consumption device 500 can be reduced. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0141] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op3 includes: NP31, NP32, NP33, and NP34, which are close to the centroid G3 of the opening Op3 and whose distance to the centroid G3 is less than the radius R3 of the imaginary circle IC3; and FP31, FP32, FP33, FP34, FP35, FP36, FP37, and FP38, which are far from the centroid G3 and whose distance to the radius R3 of the imaginary circle IC3 is greater than the radius R3 of the imaginary circle IC3. Furthermore, if points FP31 to FP38 are not distinguished, they are labeled as point FP3.

[0142] As a result, because the ink flowing along the adjacent portions NP31, NP32, NP33, and NP34 are relatively close to each other, it is difficult to create an airflow area in the center of the ink flowing through the opening Op3. On the other hand, because the opening Op3 has spaced portions FP31 to FP38, the area of ​​the opening Op3 can be increased compared to a circular opening with a radius of Ls3. As a result, more ink can flow from the receiving chamber 31 toward the filter chamber 71 through the first connecting port 76a per unit time.

[0143] The shape of the opening Op3 is symmetrical with respect to the straight line SA3, which is parallel to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10C. By arranging it in this way, the deviation of the flowing liquid about both sides of the opening Op3 sandwiching the straight line SA3 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to minimize airflow in the center of the opening Op3.

[0144] D. Fourth Implementation Method:

[0145] In the liquid container 10D of the fourth embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the first communication port 76a is different from that of the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment. Other aspects are the same as those of the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment.

[0146] Figure 20 This is a top view of the first communication port 76a as seen from inside the containment chamber 31 along the -Z direction in the liquid containment container 10D of the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the first communication port 76a has an opening Op4 in the containment chamber 31.

[0147] The shape of the opening Op4 in the receiving chamber 31 of the first connecting port 76a is a shape in which equilateral triangles of the same shape coincide in centroid and are arranged at 60° intervals around their centroids at each vertex, forming a so-called hexagram shape. The shape of the opening Op4 is such that all vertices are inscribed in the same circle. As a result, the shape of the opening Op4 does not have a long side direction and a short side direction.

[0148] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op4 of the first connecting port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 is such that the distance Ls4 from the centroid G4 of the entire opening Op4 to the nearest points NP41, NP42, NP43, NP44, NP45, and NP46 in the outline of the defined opening Op4 is less than the radius R4 of an imaginary circle IC4 having an area equal to the area of ​​the entire opening Op4. Furthermore, if points NP41 to NP46 are not distinguished, they are labeled as point NP4.

[0149] In this embodiment, compared to a circular shape where the imaginary circle IC4 has the same opening area as the opening Op4, the shape of the opening in the receiving chamber 31 makes it difficult for air to circulate in the center of the opening Op4, even when the liquid level in the receiving chamber 31 is close to the partition wall 31p. Therefore, the possibility of supplying liquid containing air bubbles to the liquid consumption device 500 can be reduced. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0150] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op4 includes: approaching portions NP41, NP42, NP43, NP44, NP45, and NP46 whose distance to the centroid G4 of the opening Op4 is less than the radius R4 of the imaginary circle IC4; and distant portions FP41, FP42, FP43, FP44, FP45, and FP46 whose distance to the centroid G4 is greater than the radius R4 of the imaginary circle IC4. Furthermore, if points FP41 to FP46 are not distinguished, they are labeled as point FP4.

[0151] As a result, because the ink flowing along the adjacent portions NP41 to NP46 is relatively close to each other, it is difficult to create an airflow area in the center of the ink flowing through the opening Op4. On the other hand, the opening Op4 has spaced portions FP41 to FP46, thereby increasing the area of ​​the opening Op4 compared to a circular shape with a radius Ls4. As a result, a greater amount of ink can flow from the receiving chamber 31 toward the filter chamber 71 through the first connecting port 76a per unit time.

[0152] The shape of the opening Op4 is symmetrical with respect to the straight line SA4, which is parallel to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10D. By arranging it in this way, the deviation of the flowing liquid about both sides of the opening Op4, which sandwiches the straight line SA4, is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to minimize airflow in the center of the opening Op4.

[0153] E. Fifth implementation method:

[0154] In the liquid container 10E of the fifth embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the first communication port 76a is different from that of the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment. Other aspects are the same as those of the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment.

[0155] Figure 21 This is a top view of the first communication port 76a as seen from inside the containment chamber 31 along the -Z direction in the liquid containment container 10E of the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the first communication port 76a has two openings Op51 and Op52 in the containment chamber 31. The openings including the two openings Op51 and Op52 are collectively referred to as opening Op5.

[0156] The openings Op51 and Op52 of the first connecting port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 are circular in shape. The openings Op51 and Op52 are arranged in the partition wall 31p along the X direction. As a result, the shape of the opening Op5, including the openings Op51 and Op52, is such that the X direction is the long side direction DL5 and the Y direction is the short side direction.

[0157] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op5 of the first connecting port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 is such that the distance Ls5 from the centroid G5 of the entire opening Op5 to the nearest points NP51 and NP52 in the outline of the defined opening Op5 is less than the radius R5 of an imaginary circle IC5 having an area equal to the area of ​​the entire opening Op5. Furthermore, points NP51 and NP52 are labeled as point NP5 without distinction.

[0158] In this embodiment, compared to a circular shape that is an imaginary circle IC5 having the same opening area as opening Op5, the shape of the openings in the receiving chamber 31 makes it difficult for air to circulate at the center of each of the openings Op51 and Op52, even when the liquid level in the receiving chamber 31 is close to the partition wall 31p. Therefore, the possibility of supplying liquid containing air bubbles to the liquid consumption device 500 can be reduced. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0159] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op5 includes: approaching portions NP51 and NP52 whose distance to the centroid G5 of the opening Op5 is less than the radius R5 of the imaginary circle IC5; and distant portions FP51 and FP52 whose distance to the centroid G5 is greater than the radius R5 of the imaginary circle IC5. That is, within the area of ​​the imaginary circle IC5, it includes portions that are not openings but form partitions 31p. Furthermore, the radii of each of the openings Op51 and Op52 are naturally smaller than the radius R5 of the imaginary circle IC5, which has an area equal to the area of ​​the entire opening Op5. Additionally, if points FP51 and FP52 are not distinguished, they are labeled as point FP5.

[0160] As a result, in opening Op51, the distance between the near portion NP51 and the far portion FP51, which sandwich the center of the circle on both sides, is smaller than the diameter of the imaginary circle IC5. Therefore, it is difficult to create an airflow portion in the center of the ink flowing through opening Op51. In opening Op52, the distance between the near portion NP52 and the far portion FP52, which sandwich the center of the circle on both sides, is smaller than the diameter of the imaginary circle IC5. Therefore, it is difficult to create an airflow portion in the center of the ink flowing through opening Op52. On the other hand, opening Op5 has two openings, Op51 and Op52, thereby increasing the area of ​​opening Op5 compared to a circular opening with a radius Ls5. As a result, more ink can flow from the receiving chamber 31 toward the filter chamber 71 through the first connecting port 76a per unit time.

[0161] The long side direction DL5 of the opening Op5 is perpendicular to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10E. Because the liquid container 10E is tilted, the ink in the containing chamber 31 is easily shifted to one end along the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10E. However, by arranging it in this way, regardless of the tilt direction of the liquid container 10E, it is possible to prevent airflow from forming in the center of the openings Op51 and Op52.

[0162] The shape of the opening Op5 is symmetrical with respect to the straight line SA5, which is parallel to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10E. By arranging it in this way, the deviation of the flowing liquid about both sides of the opening Op5 sandwiching the straight line SA5 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to minimize airflow in the center of the opening Op5.

[0163] F. Sixth Implementation Method:

[0164] In the liquid container 10F of the sixth embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the first communication port 76a is different from that of the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment. Other aspects are the same as those of the liquid container 10A of the first embodiment.

[0165] Figure 22 This is a top view of the first communication port 76a as viewed from inside the containment chamber 31 along the -Z direction in the liquid containment container 10F of the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the first communication port 76a has six openings Op61, Op62, Op63, Op64, Op65, and Op66 in the containment chamber 31. The openings including the six openings Op61, Op62, Op63, Op64, Op65, and Op66 are collectively labeled as opening Op6.

[0166] The openings Op61 to Op66 in the receiving chamber 31 of the first connecting port 76a are circular. Openings Op61 to Op63 are arranged along the X direction in the partition wall 31p. Openings Op64 to Op66 are arranged along the X direction. Openings Op61 and Op63 are arranged along the Y direction. Openings Op62 and Op65 are arranged along the Y direction. Openings Op63 and Op66 are arranged along the Y direction. As a result, the shape of opening Op6, including openings Op61 to Op66, is such that the X direction is the longer side (DL6) and the Y direction is the shorter side.

[0167] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op6 of the first communication port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 is such that the distance Ls6 from the centroid G6 of the entire opening Op6 to the nearest points NP61 and NP62 in the outline of the defined opening Op6 is less than the radius R6 of an imaginary circle IC6 having an area equal to the area of ​​the entire opening Op6. Furthermore, points NP61 and NP62 are labeled as point NP6 without distinction.

[0168] In this embodiment, compared to a circular shape where the imaginary circle IC6 has the same opening area as the opening Op6, the shape of the openings in the receiving chamber 31 makes it difficult for air to circulate at the center of each of the openings Op61 to Op66, even when the liquid level in the receiving chamber 31 is close to the partition wall 31p. Therefore, the possibility of supplying liquid containing air bubbles to the liquid consumption device 500 can be reduced. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0169] In this embodiment, the shape of the opening Op6 includes: approaching portions NP61 and NP62 whose distance to the centroid G6 of the opening Op6 is less than the radius R6 of the imaginary circle IC6; and distant portions FP61, FP62, FP63, and FP64 whose distance to the centroid G6 is greater than the radius R6 of the imaginary circle IC6. That is, within the area of ​​the imaginary circle IC6, it includes portions that are not openings but form partitions 31p. Furthermore, the radii of each of the openings Op61 to Op66 are naturally smaller than the radius R6 of the imaginary circle IC6, which has an area equal to the area of ​​the entire opening Op6. In addition, points FP61, FP62, FP63, and FP64 are labeled as point FP6 without distinction.

[0170] As a result, in opening Op61, the distance between the portions on both sides of the center of the circle, i.e., the diameter, is smaller than the diameter of the imaginary circle IC6. Therefore, it is difficult to create an airflow portion in the center of the ink flowing through opening Op61. The same applies to openings Op62 to Op66. On the other hand, opening Op6 has six openings Op61 to Op66, thereby increasing the area of ​​opening Op6 compared to a circular shape with a radius Ls6 as the opening shape. As a result, more ink can flow from the receiving chamber 31 towards the filter chamber 71 through the first connecting port 76a per unit time.

[0171] The long side direction DL6 of the shape of opening Op6 is perpendicular to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10F. Because the liquid container 10F is tilted, the ink in the containing chamber 31 is prone to shift to one end along the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10F. However, by arranging it in this way, regardless of the tilt direction of the liquid container 10F, it is possible to prevent airflow from forming in the center of each of the openings Op61 to Op66.

[0172] The shape of the opening Op6 is symmetrical with respect to the straight line SA6, which is parallel to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10F. By arranging it in this way, the deviation of the flowing liquid about both sides of the opening Op6 sandwiching the straight line SA6 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to minimize airflow in the center of the opening Op6.

[0173] G. Other implementation methods:

[0174] G1. Other implementation method one:

[0175] (1) In the first embodiment described above, the line segments SL1 and SL2 of the shape of the opening Op1 of the first communication port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 are of equal length (see reference). Figure 17 However, the length of the line segment defining the shape of the opening Op1 in the receiving chamber 31 of the first connecting port 76a can also be one side longer than the other. However, it is preferable that, in a pair of line segments parallel to the long side direction of the opening, the line segment on the +Y side is longer than the line segment on the -Y side. In this manner, when the liquid receiving container 10A is tilted at one end on the +Y side in the Y direction than the end on the -Y side, it is more difficult to introduce air into the filter chamber when the ink in the receiving chamber 31 is consumed and the liquid level LL is close to the partition wall 31p.

[0176] (2) In the above embodiment, the shape of the opening of the first connecting port 76a in the receiving chamber 31 is such that the distance from the centroid of the entire opening to the nearest point in the outline of the defined opening is less than the radius of an imaginary circle having the same area as the entire opening. However, the shape of the opening of the second connecting port 76b can also be this shape. That is, the shape of one or more openings in the receiving chamber of the connecting hole structure connecting the receiving chamber and the filter chamber can be the shape described above.

[0177] (3) In the above embodiment, the first connecting port 76a has a fixed cross-sectional shape from the receiving chamber 31 to the filter chamber 71. However, as the first connecting port of the connecting hole structure, it is also possible for the filter chamber to have an opening of a different shape than the opening in the receiving chamber. The connecting hole structure can have an opening of any shape in the filter chamber. Furthermore, the connecting hole structure can also split or merge the flow within the partition wall.

[0178] (4) In the above embodiments, the liquid containers 10A to 10H are ink cartridges installed in inkjet printers, which are liquid-consuming devices. However, the liquid containers can also be applied to liquid-consuming devices other than inkjet printers. For example, they can also be applied to liquid containers installed in cleaning devices that consume liquid detergent.

[0179] G2. Other implementation methods:

[0180] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the first communication port 76a has an opening Op1 in the receiving chamber 31 (see reference). Figures 17-20However, as in the fifth and sixth embodiments, the connecting hole structure can be configured to have multiple openings. The number of openings can be any number, such as 3, 4, 5, or 8. The multiple openings constituting the connecting hole structure can be configured such that the distance between the centroids of each opening is within 5 times the radius of an imaginary circle having an area equal to the total area of ​​the multiple openings, and more preferably within 3 times the radius of the imaginary circle.

[0181] G3. Other implementation methods three:

[0182] In the first embodiment described above, the shape of the opening Op1 is defined by a pair of line segments SL1 and SL2 of the same length arranged in parallel and a pair of arcs Ac1 and Ac2 connecting the two sets of ends of these line segments SL1 and SL2 respectively. However, for example, one or both of the arcs Ac1 and Ac2 may be composed of line segments, and the shape of the opening Op1 may be set to other shapes.

[0183] G4. Other implementation methods:

[0184] In embodiments one, two, five, and six described above, the long side directions DL1, DL2, DL5, and DL6 of the shapes of openings Op1, Op2, Op5, and Op6 are perpendicular to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10A (see reference). Figure 17 , Figure 18 , Figure 21 , Figure 22 However, the long side of the opening can be parallel to the long side of the liquid container, or it can intersect the long side of the liquid container at an angle other than 90°.

[0185] G5. Other implementation methods:

[0186] In the above embodiment, the shapes of openings Op1 to Op6 are symmetrical with respect to straight lines SA1 to SA6 parallel to the long side direction Y of the liquid container 10A. However, the shapes of the openings may also be asymmetrical with respect to straight lines parallel to the long side direction of the liquid container.

[0187] H. Other methods:

[0188] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, this invention can also be implemented in the following ways. In order to solve part or all of the problems of this invention, or to achieve part or all of the effects of this invention, the technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. Furthermore, any technical feature that is not described as an essential technical feature in this specification can be appropriately omitted.

[0189] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid containment container is provided. This liquid containment container is for containing liquid supplied to a liquid consumption device for consuming liquid, and comprises: a containment chamber for containing liquid; a filter chamber having a filter and receiving the liquid from the containment chamber and filtering the liquid through the filter; and a partition wall separating the containment chamber and the filter chamber. The partition wall has a communicating hole structure communicating between the containment chamber and the filter chamber. The shape of one or more openings of the communicating hole structure in the containment chamber is such that the distance from the centroid of the entirety of the one or more openings to the nearest point defining the outline of the one or more openings is less than the radius of a circle having an area equal to the area of ​​the entirety of the one or more openings.

[0190] With this configuration, compared to a circular opening in the receiving chamber that serves as a connecting hole, airflow is less likely to occur in the center of the opening, even when the liquid level in the receiving chamber is close to the partition wall. Therefore, the possibility of liquid containing air bubbles being supplied to the liquid consumption device can be reduced.

[0191] (2) In the liquid container of the above manner, it can be configured such that the connecting hole structure has an opening in the containing chamber, and the shape of the opening of the connecting hole structure in the containing chamber includes: a portion whose distance to the center of gravity is less than the radius of the circle; and a portion whose distance to the center of gravity is greater than the radius of the circle.

[0192] (3) In the liquid container of the above manner, it is possible to set it in such a manner that the shape of an opening in the containment chamber of the communicating hole structure is defined by a pair of parallel line segments of the same length and a pair of arcs connecting the two sets of ends of the pair of line segments respectively.

[0193] If configured in this way, it is easy to construct a mold for manufacturing partitions with interconnected hole structures.

[0194] (4) In the liquid container of the above manner, it is possible to configure it such that at least a portion of the one or more openings has a shape having a long side direction and a short side direction, wherein the long side direction of the shape is perpendicular to the long side direction of the liquid container.

[0195] If configured in this way, regardless of the tilt direction of the liquid container, it is possible to create a part in the center of the opening where airflow is difficult to occur.

[0196] (5) In the liquid container of the above manner, it is possible to set the shape of the one or more openings in such a manner that the shape is symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the long side direction of the liquid container.

[0197] Because the deviation of the liquid flowing through the opening is reduced, it is difficult to create a section in the center of the opening where airflow is difficult.

[0198] This invention can also be implemented through various methods of liquid-containing containers. For example, it can be implemented through a partition structure of the liquid-containing container, a connecting hole structure of the liquid-containing container, and a manufacturing method of the liquid-containing container.

[0199] This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and other embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above problems, or to achieve part or all of the above effects, the technical features in the embodiments, other embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in the various ways described in the part of the invention can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, it is not limited to the technical feature described in this specification as not being a necessary technical feature; as long as the technical feature is not described as being necessary in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

Claims

1. A liquid container for containing liquid supplied to a liquid consumption device, comprising: A container chamber that holds liquid; A filter chamber, having a filter, receives the liquid from the receiving chamber and filters the liquid through the filter; and A partition separates the receiving chamber from the filter chamber. The partition wall has a communication hole structure that connects the receiving chamber and the filter chamber. The communicating hole structure has an opening that connects to the receiving chamber. The shape of the opening is such that the distance from the center of gravity of the entire opening to the nearest point in the outline defining the opening is less than the radius of an imaginary circle having an area equal to the area of ​​the entire opening.

2. The liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the opening includes: The portion of the distance to the center of gravity that is less than the radius of the imaginary circle; and The portion of the distance to the center of gravity that is greater than the radius of the imaginary circle.

3. The liquid container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shape of the opening is defined by a pair of parallel line segments of the same length and a pair of arcs connecting the two sets of ends of the pair of line segments.

4. The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the opening has a shape having a long side direction and a short side direction. The long side of the shape is perpendicular to the long side of the liquid container.

5. The liquid container according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shape of the opening is symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the long side of the liquid container.

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