Liquid storage container and liquid discharge device

Abstract

Liquid storage container and liquid discharge device. A disclosed liquid storage container has a storage chamber for storing a liquid, a supply port having a hollow cylindrical portion protruding from the storage chamber and capable of supplying the liquid to the storage chamber, and a plug member detachably attached to the supply port. The plug member has a plug portion inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion to plug the supply port. On the plug portion, a first waterproof film having waterproofness is formed on at least an exposed surface exposed to the inside of the hollow cylindrical portion in a portion inserted into the storage chamber.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid storage container capable of replenishing a liquid, and a liquid discharge apparatus equipped with the liquid storage container. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a liquid discharge apparatus for discharging a liquid such as ink includes a liquid storage container for storing the liquid. Some liquid storage containers can replenish the liquid.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-20497 discloses a liquid storage container into which a liquid can be replenished. The liquid storage container according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-20497 has a storage chamber for storing the liquid, a supply port for supplying the liquid into the storage chamber, and a plug member for closing the supply port. The plug member is detachably attached to the supply port. At the time of replenishing the liquid, the plug member is detached from the supply port and the liquid is injected from the supply port into the storage chamber.

[0004] However, in the liquid storage container disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-20497, the liquid can adhere to the plug member that plugs the supply port. For example, the liquid can adhere to the plug member due to fluctuation of the liquid in the storage chamber caused by movement of the liquid discharge apparatus. Therefore, at the time of removing the plug member from the supply port, the liquid adhered to the plug member can be scattered to the outside due to reaction or impact, or a finger or the like can be contaminated with the liquid adhered to the plug member after opening the supply port.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus manufactured in view of the above problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to suppress liquid from adhering to a plug member. SUMMARY

[0006] To achieve the above object, a liquid storage container according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a storage chamber configured to store a liquid, a supply port configured to have a hollow cylindrical portion protruding from the storage chamber and capable of supplying the liquid to the storage chamber, and a plug member detachably attached to the supply port, wherein the plug member has a plug portion inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion to plug the supply port, and the plug portion includes a first waterproof film having waterproofness formed on an exposed surface exposed at least inside the storage chamber in a portion inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion.

[0007] A liquid storage container according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a storage chamber configured to store a liquid; a supply port configured to have a hollow cylindrical portion protruding from the storage chamber and to be able to supply the liquid to the storage chamber; and a plug member detachably attached to the supply port, wherein the plug member has a plug portion inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion to plug the supply port, and a cover portion integrally formed with the plug portion and covering the supply port from the outside of the storage chamber in a state where the plug portion is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion, and a waterproof property of an exposed surface of a portion of the plug member inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion is greater than a waterproof property of the cover portion, the exposed surface being exposed at least inside the storage chamber.

[0008] Further features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a liquid discharge device to which the liquid storage container of the present application is applicable.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic view for explaining Figure 1 a configuration of the liquid discharge device shown.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic view illustrating replenishment of a liquid into the liquid storage container.

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid storage container according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C are each a schematic view illustrating a configuration of the plug member of the liquid storage container according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic view showing Figures 5A to 5C a state where the plug member shown in

[0015] Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C are each a schematic view illustrating a configuration of the plug member of the liquid storage container according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C are schematic views for explaining a modification of the plug member.

[0017] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C is a schematic view illustrating another modification of the plug member.

[0018] Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B and Figure 10C is a schematic view illustrating still another modification of the plug member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, components described in the embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to these examples.

[0020] <First Embodiment>

[0021] First, a liquid discharge apparatus to which a liquid storage container according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a liquid discharge apparatus. Figure 2 is a schematic view for explaining Figure 1 a schematic view showing a configuration of the liquid discharge apparatus. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the liquid discharge apparatus 200 includes a feeding section 1, a conveying section 2, a discharging section 3, a liquid supply section 4, a display section 5, and a liquid containing section 6. The feeding section 1 is provided with a tray in which a plurality of sheets such as recording paper are stacked and stored, and a feeding roller 10 for separating the recording paper stored in the tray one by one and feeding them to the conveying section 2.

[0022] The conveying section 2 has a conveying roller 11, a paper discharge roller 12, and a platen 13. The platen 13 is provided between the conveying roller 11 and the paper discharge roller 12. The conveying roller 11 conveys the recording paper supplied from the feeding section 1 onto the platen 13. The platen 13 holds the recording paper. The paper discharge roller 12 discharges the recording paper conveyed on the platen 13. A liquid discharge head 15 includes the discharging section 3 for discharging a liquid such as ink. A carriage 14 is positioned above the platen 13, and is movable in a direction (sub-scanning direction) intersecting a conveying direction (main-scanning direction) of the recording paper. The liquid discharge head 15 is mounted on the carriage 14, and the discharging section 3 discharges the liquid toward the recording paper on the platen 13. Thus, an image based on image information can be formed on the recording paper.

[0023] The liquid storage container 16 is a liquid storage container of the first embodiment of the present application. The liquid storage container 16 includes a storage chamber 100 for storing a liquid, an atmospheric communication port 102, a plug member 105, and a supply port 106. The supply port 106 is configured to be able to supply the liquid to the storage chamber 100. The plug member 105 is detachably attached to the supply port 106. The storage chamber 100 is fluidly connected to the liquid discharge head 15 via the liquid supply portion 4. The liquid supply portion 4 has a flow passage 101 and a flexible supply tube 17. The liquid is supplied from the storage chamber 100 to the liquid discharge head 15 through the passage 101 and the supply tube 17 according to the amount of the liquid discharged by the discharge portion 3. Here, four colors (for example, black, magenta, cyan, and yellow) of liquids are used, and the liquid storage container 16, the flow passage 101, and the supply tube 17 are provided for each color of the liquid. The colors of the liquids are examples, and the liquids used are not limited to four colors. A single color of liquid can be used, or two or more colors of liquids can be used.

[0024] The display portion 5 displays information (operation state, operation item, menu, and the like) necessary for operating the liquid discharge apparatus 200. The liquid containing portion 6 stores the liquid storage container 16. The liquid containing portion 6 is provided with an openable / closeable lid 7. The liquid can be replenished to the liquid storage container 16 stored in the liquid containing portion 6 with the lid 7 open.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic view for explaining replenishment of the liquid storage container 16 contained in the liquid containing portion 6. As shown in Figure 3 , when the liquid is to be replenished, the lid 7 is opened to detach the plug member 105 from the supply port 106, and a liquid replenishment container 201 is used to supply the liquid from the supply port 106 to the storage chamber 100. In the present embodiment, the liquid storage container 16 is contained in the liquid containing portion 6 of the apparatus main body, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. If the liquid can be supplied to the liquid discharge head 15, the liquid storage container 16 can be provided outside the apparatus main body.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid storage container 16 of the present embodiment. Referring to Figure 4The liquid storage container 16 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The liquid storage container 16 has a front wall 1010, a right wall 1020, a left wall 1030, an upper wall 1040, and a lower wall 1050. The front wall 1010 has a vertical wall 1010A and an inclined wall 1010B. The vertical wall 1010A extends substantially in the vertical direction from the lower wall 1050. The inclined wall 1010B extends from the upper end of the vertical wall 1010A toward the upper wall 1040 and is inclined with respect to the upper wall 1040. The inclined wall 1010B is inclined so that the front side is low and the rear side is high in the longitudinal direction. The supply port 106 is formed on the inclined wall 1010B.

[0027] The rear surface of the liquid storage container 16 is open, and the film 1060 is welded to the open surface. The film 1060, the front wall 1010, the right wall 1020, the left wall 1030, the upper wall 1040, and the lower wall 1050 form a storage chamber 100. In the present embodiment, three color walls 1021, 1022, and 1023 are provided for storing four colors of liquid in the storage chamber 100. In other words, the storage chamber 100 is divided into four liquid chambers by the color walls 1021, 1022, and 1023. The supply port 106 and the plug member 105 are provided for each liquid chamber.

[0028] Figures 5A to 5C is a view for explaining the configuration of the plug member 105 of the liquid storage container 16 of the present embodiment. Figure 5A is a view showing a state in which the plug member 105 is detached from the supply port 106. Figure 5B is a view showing a state in which the plug member 105 is attached to the supply port 106. Figure 5C is a plan view of the plug member 105 attached to the supply port 106. Figure 5A and Figure 5B correspond to Figure 4 a sectional view in the V-V section.

[0029] As Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the plug member 105 has a body portion 105E and a plug portion 105C. The body portion 105E has a protruding portion 105A, a support portion 105B, and a cover portion 105D. The plug portion 105C is inserted into the supply port 106 to plug the supply port 106. Here, the plug portion 105C is press-fitted to the supply port 106 so as to be detachably attached. The supply port 106 has a hollow cylindrical portion 106a protruding from the storage chamber 100, and the entire plug portion 105C is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 106a. Here, the hollow cylindrical portion 106a is a hollow cylindrical portion having a circular cross-sectional shape. However, the supply port 106 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and can have other shapes of a hollow tube or pipe. In order to obtain a sealing property capable of preventing liquid from leaking from the supply port 106, the entire plug member 105 or at least the plug portion 105C is preferably formed of a flexible member such as rubber. The plug portion 105C has a lip portion 105C1 at an end portion of the portion inserted into the supply port 106 (a portion forming a lowermost surface). Since the supply port 106 is sealed by elastic deformation of the lip portion 105C1, liquid leakage can be prevented. The height and width of the lip portion 105C1 can be arbitrarily set.

[0030] The cover portion 105D is integrally formed with the plug portion 105C. The cover portion 105D covers the supply port 106 from the outside of the storage chamber 100 in a state in which the entire plug portion 105C is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 106a. The support portion 105B supports a portion of the cover portion 105D in a state in which the plug member 105 is detached from the supply port 106. Here, the support portion 105B is formed of a string-like member, one end of which is attached to an upper portion of the cover portion 105D and the other end of which is attached to a fixing portion provided on the upper wall 1040. If the plug member 105 can be supported, the support portion 105B can be attached to any portion. For example, the other end of the support portion 105B can be attached to a portion other than the liquid storage container 16, such as the liquid discharge device 200.

[0031] The protruding portion 105A protrudes from an upper surface of the cover portion 105D. The plug member 105 can be detached from the supply port 106 by pinching and pulling the protruding portion 105A. Note that the shape of the protruding portion 105A is not limited to the shape shown in the drawing. For example, the protruding portion 105A can be a cuboid portion protruding from the upper surface of the cover portion 105D. In addition, a distal end of the protruding portion 105A can have a protruding shape such as a cuboid, a concave-convex shape, a spherical shape, or the like. As Figure 5CAs shown, the top surface of the cover portion 105D has a circular shape. The plug portion 105C has a center line 105CP coinciding with the center line of the hollow cylindrical portion 106a in a state where the plug member 105 is attached to the hollow cylindrical portion 106a. The center line 105CP passes through the center of the upper surface of the cover portion 105D. The protrusion portion 105A is located on the opposite side of the support portion 105B across the center line 105CP (or the center). For example, a virtual straight line X orthogonal to the center line 105CP (or passing through the center) can be set, and the protrusion portion 105A and the support portion 105B can be arranged at both ends on the virtual straight line X. A virtual straight line Y passing through the center line 105CP and orthogonal to the virtual straight line X can be set, and across the virtual straight line Y, the protrusion portion 105A can be arranged on one side and the support portion 105B can be arranged on the other side.

[0032] Figure 6 The state of the plug member 105 at the time when the plug member 105 is detached from the supply port 106 is schematically shown. When the protrusion portion 105A is pinched with a finger and pulled in the direction of the arrow A, the plug member 105 is deformed while being inclined at an angle θ. The base portion of the protrusion portion 105A is defined as a force application point PI, a portion of the plug member 105 abutting on the upper portion of the supply port 106 (fixed point) is defined as a fulcrum P2, and a portion of the plug member 105 abutting on the inner wall surface of the supply port 106 and located at the side opposite to the fulcrum P2 is defined as an action point P3. Since the plug member 105 rotates around the fulcrum P2, the plug member 105 can be easily detached from the supply port 106 by the principle of leverage. The distance from the force application point PI to the fulcrum P2 is LI, and the distance from the action point P3 to the fulcrum P2 is L2. By making the distance LI larger than the distance L2, a small movement applied to the force application point PI can be converted into a larger movement at the action point P3. Therefore, from the viewpoint of utilizing the principle of leverage, the protrusion portion 105A is preferably provided at a position satisfying LI > L2, for example, at a position opposite to the support portion 105B.

[0033] Referring again to Figure 5A and Figure 5BOn the plug portion 105C, a first water repellent film S1 having water repellency is formed on at least an exposed surface 105F of the plug portion 105C inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 106a, which is exposed to the inside of the storage chamber 100. The exposed surface 105F includes a tip surface of the plug portion 105C. In the present embodiment, the first water repellent film S1 is formed on the entire surface of the plug portion 105C inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 106a. For example, the first water repellent film S1 is formed by performing a water repellent treatment by forming (applying) a water repellent film composed of a silicon-based compound, a fluorine compound, or the like on the surface. Specifically, the portion of the plug member 105 other than the plug portion 105C is shielded, and the water repellent treatment is selectively performed on the surface of the plug portion 105C to form the first water repellent film S1. It is preferable that the first water repellent film S1 be formed on the portion of the plug portion 105C inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 106a, which is likely to adhere to liquid. The lower the surface tension of a solid and the higher the surface tension of a liquid, the more the surface tension of the liquid dominates when the liquid adheres to the surface of the solid, resulting in the liquid being pulled inward and becoming more spherical on the surface of the solid. In general, the surface tension of a liquid such as ink is lower than that of water, but by applying a water repellent treatment to the surface on the solid side to make the surface tension significantly lower than that of the liquid, the solid surface can be given a liquid repellent property (water repellency). In the present embodiment, by forming the first water repellent film S1 on the plug portion 105C, which is the solid side, adhesion of liquid to the plug member 105 can be suppressed.

[0034] A second water repellent film S2 having water repellency is formed on the adjacent region of the inner wall surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 106a and the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100 to the supply port 106 by selectively performing a water repellent treatment. Thus, by forming the second water repellent film S2 on the adjacent region of the inner wall surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 106a and the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100, liquid can be prevented from remaining on the supply port 106 and its peripheral portion when the liquid is replenished or the plug is detached. From the viewpoint of suppressing residual liquid, the water repellency of the second water repellent film S2 can be relatively higher than that of other regions on the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100. However, in order to preferentially suppress adhesion of liquid to the plug member 105, for example, the relationship between the water repellency of the first water repellent film S1 and the second water repellent film S2 is S1 ≥ S2. Here, the water repellency can be estimated using, for example, the contact angle of a liquid with respect to a solid surface. The "contact angle" is defined as the angle between the solid and the liquid on the side containing the liquid, and the larger the angle, the higher the water repellency.

[0035] Generally, waterproofing treatment can be applied multiple times to form a waterproof membrane through a coating process that achieves low roughness and high smoothness. The degree of waterproofing (waterproofness) of the first waterproof membrane S1 and the second waterproof membrane S2 can be arbitrarily adjusted. Since a membrane with a waterproofing relationship of S1 > S2 is easier to manufacture than a membrane with a waterproofing relationship of S1 = S2, it is preferable to choose a waterproofing relationship of S1 > S2. In this embodiment, the waterproof membrane is formed on both the inner wall surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 106a and the side surface of the plug portion 105C (the surface facing the inner wall surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 106a), but the waterproof membrane can be formed on either surface. However, from the viewpoint of inhibiting liquid adhesion to the plug member 105, it is preferable that the first waterproof membrane S1 is always formed on the distal portion of the plug portion 105C (the portion exposed inside the storage chamber 100).

[0036] like Figure 5B As shown, when the entire plug portion 105C is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 106a, a waterproof surface is formed continuously along the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100. Specifically, a first waterproof membrane S1 formed on the surface of the plug portion 105C exposed inside the storage chamber 100 and a second waterproof membrane S2 formed on the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100 form a continuous waterproof surface along the inner wall surface. In this waterproof surface, if there is a recess at the boundary between the first waterproof membrane S1 and the second waterproof membrane S2, liquid can remain in the recess. From the viewpoint of inhibiting liquid adhesion to the plug member 105, the presence of such a recess in the waterproof surface is not preferred. In this embodiment, the exposed surface 105F (end surface) of the plug portion 105C exposed inside the storage chamber 100 is flush with the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100. In this configuration, since both the exposed surface 105F (end surface) of the plug portion 105C and the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100 are planar, the waterproof membrane formed by the first waterproof membrane S1 formed on the exposed surface 105F and the second waterproof membrane S2 formed on the inner wall surface forms a substantially planar surface. Therefore, the formation of a liquid-retaining depression at the boundary between the first waterproof membrane S1 and the second waterproof membrane S2 can be suppressed. The exposed surface 105F (end surface) of the plug portion 105C, exposed inside the storage chamber 100, can extend inward from the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100. According to this configuration, the formation of a liquid-retaining depression at the boundary between the first waterproof membrane S1 and the second waterproof membrane S2 can be reliably suppressed.

[0037] In the liquid storage container 16 of the present embodiment described above, the first waterproof film S1 is formed at least on the surface (tip portion) of the plug portion 105C exposed inside the storage chamber 100 in the portion inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 106a. Even when the liquid touches the plug portion 105C due to fluctuation of the liquid in the storage chamber 100, the liquid is bounced off by the first waterproof film S1. Thus, the liquid can be inhibited from adhering to the plug member 105. Thus, the liquid can be inhibited from splashing when the plug is opened or detached, and the finger or the like can be inhibited from being soiled with the liquid after the plug is opened.

[0038] In addition, the portion formed with the first waterproof film S1 and the portion formed with the second waterproof film S2 can be combined in the following variations.

[0039] (Variation 1) The first waterproof film S1 is formed only at the tip of the plug portion 105C (only on the exposed surface 105F exposed to the inside of the storage chamber 100).

[0040] (Variation 2) One or more of the following configurations (2a) to (2c) is combined with the above Variation 1:

[0041] (2a) The first waterproof film S1 is formed on the side surface of the plug portion 105C (on the surface facing the inner wall surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 106a).

[0042] (2b) The second waterproof film S2 is formed on the inner wall surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 106a; and

[0043] (2c) The second waterproof film S2 is formed on the area on the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100 adjacent to the inner wall surface of the supply port 106.

[0044] According to the above combination, in addition to inhibiting the liquid from adhering to the plug member 105, the liquid can be prevented from remaining in the supply port 106 or the peripheral portion thereof when the liquid is replenished or the plug is opened.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the supply port 106 is provided on an inclined surface inclined with respect to the liquid surface (or horizontal surface), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The plane in which the supply port 106 is provided can be a plane parallel to the liquid surface (or horizontal plane). Here, the inclined surface is, for example, an inclined surface inclined with respect to the horizontal direction when the liquid discharge device 200 housing the liquid storage container 16 is installed on a horizontal plane. In addition, the plug member 105 can be configured such that, in the portion of the plug portion 105C inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 106a, at least the waterproofness of the exposed surface 105F exposed to the inside of the storage chamber 100 is greater than that of the covering portion 105D. This configuration can also inhibit the liquid from adhering to the plug member 105.

[0046] [Second Embodiment]

[0047] In the liquid storage container according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure of the waterproof film is different from that of the first embodiment. Except for the waterproof film, the structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Figures 7A to 7C is a diagram for explaining the configuration in a state where the plug member 105 is detached from the supply port 106 of the liquid storage container 16 according to the present embodiment. Figure 7A is a schematic view showing a state where the plug member 105 is detached from the supply port 106.

[0048] Figure 7B is a schematic view showing a state where the plug member 105 is attached to the supply port 106. Figure 7C is a plan view showing the periphery of the supply port 106 on the inner wall surface of the liquid storage container 16 as viewed in the direction of the arrow A. Figure 7B is a plan view showing the periphery of the supply port 106 on the inner wall surface of the liquid storage container 16 as viewed in the direction of the arrow A. Figure 7A and Figure 7B correspond to Figure 4 a sectional view in the V-V section.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100 includes an inclined surface 100a inclined with respect to the liquid surface (or horizontal plane). The supply port 106 is provided on the inclined surface 100a. The first waterproof film S1 is formed on the portion of the plug portion 105C inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 106a. The second waterproof film S2 is formed on the inner wall surface of the hollow cylindrical portion 106a. The second waterproof film S2 and the third waterproof film S3 are formed in the region adjacent to the supply port 106 of the inclined surface 100a. The waterproof treatment described in the first embodiment is applicable to the formation of the first waterproof film S1, the second waterproof film S2, and the third waterproof film S3.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7CAs shown, the inclined surface 100a has a first region R1 above the lowermost end of the supply port 106 and a second region R2 below the lowermost end. The second waterproof film S2 is formed on the first region R1. The third waterproof film S3 is formed on the second region R2. The first waterproof film S1, the second waterproof film S2, and the third waterproof film S3 form a waterproof surface R that is continuous along the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 100 in a state in which the entire plug portion 105C is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion 106a. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, since the liquid is preferentially inhibited from adhering to the plug member 105, the relationship of the waterproof properties (waterproof properties) of the first waterproof film S1, the second waterproof film S2, and the third waterproof film S3 is S1≥S2 and S1≥S3. From the viewpoint of ease of manufacture, the relationship of the waterproof properties is preferably S1>S2 and S1>S3. Also, in the present embodiment, the relationship of the waterproof properties (waterproof properties) between the second waterproof film S2 and the third waterproof film S3 is S2≥S3 (preferably, S2>S3). This is because the liquid on the waterproof surface R actively falls (or slides) in the direction of gravity (downward direction).

[0051] In addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the liquid storage container 16 according to the present embodiment also achieves the following effects. If the waterproof properties of the second waterproof film S2 and the third waterproof film S3 are too low, the liquid can remain on the waterproof surface R. In the present embodiment, by making the waterproof properties of the second waterproof film S2 positioned above the lowermost end of the supply port 106 on the inclined surface 100a higher, the liquid can be actively caused to fall (or slide) in the direction of gravity. Also, the waterproof properties of the third waterproof film S3 positioned below the lowermost end of the supply port 106 are made low. Thereby, the liquid on the waterproof surface R can be actively caused to fall (or slide) in the direction of gravity (downward direction), and the liquid can be reliably inhibited from remaining in the peripheral portion of the supply port 106.

[0052] Also, in the liquid storage container 16 of the present embodiment, the configurations and variations described in the first embodiment can be applied.

[0053] <Modification Example>

[0054] Hereinafter, a modification example of the liquid storage container 16 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. Figure 8AA configuration of a first modification example of the plug member 105 is shown. The plug portion 105C has a lip portion 105C2 on the outer periphery of the portion to be inserted into the supply port 106. The lip portion 105C2 is a protrusion protruding from the side surface and extends in the circumferential direction. Three rows of the lip portion 105C2 are provided at predetermined intervals from the tip side of the plug portion 105C. Each of the lip portions 105C2 is in contact with the inner wall surface of the supply port 106 and elastically deforms to seal the supply port 106. The width and height of each of the lip portions 105C2 are the same. The first waterproof film S1 is formed on the side surface of the plug portion 105C including the lip portions 105C2. Note that the number of rows of the lip portions 105C2 is not limited to 3, and can be 1 or 2 or more as long as sealing can be performed.

[0055] Figure 8B A configuration of a second modification example of the plug member 105 is shown. The plug portion 105C has both the lip portion 105C2 and the lip portion 105C3 provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the portion to be inserted into the supply port 106. The lip portion 105C2 is the same as that of the first modification example. The lip portion 105C3 is positioned closer to the tip side of the plug portion 105C than the lip portion 105C2. The lip portion 105C3 is higher and wider than the lip portion 105C2. As the width of the lip portion increases, the contact surface in contact with the inner wall surface of the supply port 106 increases, and the sealing property improves. The higher the lip portion, the greater the amount of extrusion, and the better the sealing ability. In the present modification example, the sealing performance of the lip portion 105C3 located at the distal end side of the plug portion 105C is higher than that of the lip portion 105C2. The first waterproof film S1 is formed on the side surface of the plug portion 105C including the lip portions 105C2 and 105C3.

[0056] Figure 8C A configuration of a third modification example of the plug member 105 is shown. The plug portion 105C has two rows of the lip portion 105C2 and one row of the lip portion 105C3 provided in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the portion to be inserted into the supply port 106. The lip portion 105C2 is the same as that of the first modification example. The lip portion 105C3 is the same as that of the second modification example. Even in the present modification example, the sealing performance of the lip portion 105C3 positioned at the distal end side of the plug portion 105C is high. The first waterproof film S1 is formed on the side surface of the plug portion 105C including the lip portions 105C2 and 105C3. In the first to third modification examples described above, the height and width of the lip portion and the number of rows of the lip portion can be appropriately changed if the supply port 106 can be sealed.

[0057] Figure 9AA configuration of a fourth modification example of the plug member 105 is shown. The plug member 105 has a protruding portion 205A instead of the protruding portion 105A. The protruding portion 205A protrudes from a side surface 207 of the covering portion 105D. The protruding portion 205A is located on the opposite side of the support portion 105B across the center line 105CP.

[0058] Figure 9B A configuration of a fifth modification example of the plug member 105 is shown. The plug member 105 has a protruding portion 305A instead of the protruding portion 105A. The protruding portion 305A is constituted by a plurality of projections formed on a side surface 307 of the covering portion 105D and extending in parallel with each other in the circumferential direction. The protruding portion 305A is located on the side opposite to the support portion 105B across the center line 105CP. When the user detaches the plug member 105 from the supply port 106, the user places a finger on the side surface 307. Since the protruding portion 305A functions to increase the frictional force between the finger and the side surface 307, the plug member 105 can be easily detached from the supply port 106.

[0059] Figure 9C A configuration of a sixth modification example of the plug member 105 is shown. The plug member 105 has a protruding portion 405A instead of the protruding portion 105A. The protruding portion 405A is formed by providing a notch 408 on a side surface 407 of the covering portion 105D. The protruding portion 405A is located on the side opposite to the support portion 105B across the center line 105CP. When the user detaches the plug member 105 from the supply port 106, the user places a finger on the side surface 407. Since the protruding portion 405A functions to increase the frictional force between the finger and the side surface 407, the plug member 105 can be easily detached from the supply port 106.

[0060] Figure 10A A configuration of a seventh modification example of the plug member 105 is shown. The plug member 105 is provided with a protruding portion 505A instead of the protruding portion 105A, and does not have the support portion 105B. The protruding portion 505A is located at the center line 105CP of the plug member 105 and protrudes upward from an upper surface of the covering portion 105D. The protruding portion 505A can have any shape as long as it can be pinched. For example, the tip of the protruding portion 505A can have a protruding shape such as a cuboid, a concavo-convex shape, a spherical shape, or the like.

[0061] Figure 10BA configuration of an eighth modification example of the plug member 105 is shown. The plug member 105 is provided with 2 protruding portions 605A in place of the protruding portion 105A, and does not have the support portion 105B. Each protruding portion 605A is constituted by a plurality of convex strips formed on the side surface 607 of the cover portion 105D and extending in parallel with each other in the circumferential direction. The protruding portions 605A are located on opposite sides of the center line 105CP. When the plug member 105 is detached from the supply port 106, the user pinches the side surface 607 from both sides. Since the protruding portions 605A function to increase the frictional force between the fingers and the side surface 607, the plug member 105 can be easily detached from the supply port 106.

[0062] Figure 10C is a view showing a configuration example of a ninth modification example of the plug member 105. The plug member 105 is provided with 2 protruding portions 705A in place of the protruding portion 105A, and does not have the support portion 105B. Each protruding portion 705A is formed by providing a notch 708 in the side surface 707 of the cover portion 105D. The protruding portions 705A are located on opposite sides of the center line 105CP. When the plug member 105 is detached from the supply port 106, the user pinches the side surface 707 from both sides. Since the protruding portions 705A function to increase the frictional force between the fingers and the side surface 707, the plug member 105 can be easily detached from the supply port 106. In the first modification example to the ninth modification example, the side surface of the cover portion 105D is substantially orthogonal to the open surface of the supply port 106 in a state where the plug member 105 is attached to the supply port 106.

[0063] According to the first modification example to the ninth modification example described above, since the plug member 105 can be detached from the supply port 106 with a smaller force, the recoil or impact generated when the plug member is detached becomes smaller. Therefore, even if liquid adheres to the plug member 105, the liquid can be inhibited from flying outward.

[0064] While the present application has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A liquid storage container, comprising: A storage chamber configured to store liquid; A supply port configured to have a hollow cylindrical portion protruding from the storage chamber and capable of supplying liquid into the storage chamber; as well as A plug component, which is detachably attached to the supply port. The plug member has a plug portion that is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion to plug the supply port, and the plug portion includes a first waterproof membrane that is formed on at least an exposed surface of the portion inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion that is exposed to the interior of the storage chamber. The end surface of the plug portion exposed inside the storage chamber is flush with the inner wall surface of the storage chamber.

2. The liquid storage container of claim 1, wherein the first waterproof membrane is formed on the entire portion inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion.

3. The liquid storage container of claim 1, wherein a second waterproof membrane having waterproof properties is formed at least in the area adjacent to the supply port on the inner wall surface of the storage chamber.

4. The liquid storage container according to claim 3, wherein the second waterproof membrane is formed on the inner wall surface of the hollow cylindrical portion.

5. The liquid storage container of claim 3, wherein the first waterproof membrane formed on the exposed surface and the second waterproof membrane formed on the inner wall surface form a continuous waterproof surface with the entire plug portion inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion.

6. The liquid storage container according to claim 3, wherein the second waterproof membrane has the same or lower waterproof properties as the first waterproof membrane.

7. The liquid storage container of claim 3, wherein the inner wall surface of the storage chamber includes an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction when the liquid discharge device containing the liquid storage container is installed on a horizontal plane. The supply port is located on the inclined surface. The inclined surface has a first region above the lowest end of the supply port and a second region below the lowest end of the supply port. The second waterproof membrane is formed on the first area, and A third waterproof membrane with waterproof properties is formed on the second region.

8. The liquid storage container of claim 7, wherein the first waterproof membrane formed on the exposed surface, the second waterproof membrane formed on the first region, and the third waterproof membrane formed on the second region form a continuous waterproof surface with the entire plug portion inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion.

9. The liquid storage container according to claim 7, wherein the second waterproof membrane has the same or lower waterproof properties as the first waterproof membrane.

10. The liquid storage container according to claim 7, wherein the third waterproof membrane has the same or lower waterproof properties as the second waterproof membrane.

11. The liquid storage container of claim 1, wherein the end surface of the plug portion exposed inside the storage chamber extends inward from the inner wall surface of the storage chamber.

12. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein the stopper component comprises: A covering portion, which is integrally formed with the plug portion and covers the supply port from the outside of the storage chamber while the plug portion is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion; A support portion that supports a portion of the cover portion when the plug member is removed from the supply port; as well as A protrusion that protrudes from the covered portion.

13. The liquid storage container of claim 12, wherein the plug portion has a centerline that coincides with the centerline of the hollow cylindrical portion when the plug member is attached to the storage chamber, and The protrusion is located on the side opposite to the support portion, separated by the centerline of the plug portion.

14. A liquid storage container, comprising: A storage chamber configured to store liquid; A supply port configured to have a hollow cylindrical portion protruding from the storage chamber and capable of supplying liquid into the storage chamber; as well as A plug component, which is detachably attached to the supply port. The plug member has a plug portion and a cover portion. The plug portion is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion to plug the supply port. The cover portion is integrally formed with the plug portion and covers the supply port from the outside of the storage chamber while the plug portion is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion. The waterproofness of the exposed surface of the portion of the plug member inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion is greater than that of the covering portion, and the exposed surface is at least exposed to the interior of the storage chamber. The end surface of the plug portion exposed inside the storage chamber is flush with the inner wall surface of the storage chamber.

15. A liquid discharge device, comprising: A liquid storage container, comprising: a storage chamber for storing liquid; a supply port having a hollow cylindrical portion projecting from the storage chamber and capable of supplying liquid into the storage chamber; and a plug member detachably attached to the supply port; and A liquid discharge head, used to discharge liquid. The plug member has a plug portion that is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion to plug the supply port, and the plug portion includes a first waterproof membrane that is formed on at least an exposed surface of the portion inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion that is exposed to the interior of the storage chamber. The liquid storage container supplies liquid to the liquid discharge head, and The end surface of the plug portion exposed inside the storage chamber is flush with the inner wall surface of the storage chamber.

16. The liquid discharge device of claim 15, further comprising a receiving portion configured to receive a liquid storage container having an openable and closable lid. The liquid storage container housed in the housing portion can supply liquid from the supply port to the storage chamber with the lid open.

Images