Liquid storage container

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid storage container. The liquid storage container is capable of refilling the liquid to be supplied to a printer, and the liquid storage container includes: a bag; a liquid supply port member that is attached to an end of the bag and has a liquid supply port; a liquid supply flow path that is provided in the liquid supply port member and allows liquid to flow between a liquid storage portion and the liquid supply port; a liquid filling flow path that is provided in the liquid supply port member and is branched from the liquid supply flow path; a communication port that is provided in the liquid supply port member, is in fluid communication with the liquid filling flow path, and faces the inner surface of the bag. The bag is configured to be able to abut against the peripheral portion of the communication port, and is attached to the liquid supply port member in such a manner that a gap is formed between the bag and the peripheral portion of the communication port by the flow of liquid from the liquid supply flow path to the liquid filling flow path, and the gap is in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion via the communication port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid storage container. Background Art

[0002] Heretofore, a technique has been proposed in which a liquid storage body that is detachably attached to a printer and supplies liquid is detached from the printer and refilled with liquid when the remaining amount of the liquid reaches a lower limit value or less, and then reused. In Patent Document 1, a communication portion for communicating a bag that stores liquid and is flexible with the outside is newly provided in the detached liquid storage body, and the liquid is injected again into the bag from this communication portion.

[0003] However, in the liquid storage body of Patent Document 1, the communication portion is formed by performing processing such as cutting off an end portion of the bag or making a hole in the bag. Therefore, there is a problem that the size of the bag is reduced and the amount of liquid that can be stored is reduced. In addition, since the cut-off end portion of the bag cannot be reused, there is also a problem of an increase in waste. In addition, there is a problem that a new component for sealing the communication portion is added, thus further increasing the sealing operation. Further, there is a problem that foreign matter may be mixed into the bag when performing processing such as cutting or making a hole, and foreign matter contained in, for example, environmental air may be mixed into the bag due to the opened hole being exposed to the environment, resulting in a decrease in the quality of the liquid.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-198990 Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid storage container capable of refilling liquid to be supplied to a printer. The liquid storage container includes: a bag that defines a liquid storage portion; a liquid supply port member that attaches an end portion of the bag and has a liquid supply port; a liquid supply flow path that is provided in the liquid supply port member and allows liquid to flow between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply port; a liquid filling flow path that is provided in the liquid supply port member and branches from the liquid supply flow path; and a communication port that is provided in the liquid supply port member, is in fluid communication with the liquid filling flow path, and faces the inner surface of the bag. The bag is configured to be able to abut against a peripheral portion of the communication port, and is attached to the liquid supply port member in such a manner that a gap is formed between the peripheral portion by the flow of the liquid from the liquid supply flow path to the liquid filling flow path, and the gap is in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion via the communication port. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of a printer that replenishes liquid using a liquid storage container as one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 Schematic perspective view of a container storage section.

[0008] Figure 3 Schematic perspective view of a connection mechanism.

[0009] Figure 4 Stereoscopic view showing the external structure of the liquid storage container in a state where the converter is not installed.

[0010] Figure 5 Stereoscopic view showing the external structure and internal structure of the liquid storage container in a state where the converter is not installed.

[0011] Figure 6 Stereoscopic view showing the external structure of the liquid storage container in a state where the converter is installed.

[0012] Figure 7 First stereoscopic view showing a partition member, a pair of liquid discharge pipes, and a connecting member.

[0013] Figure 8 Second stereoscopic view showing a partition member, a pair of liquid discharge pipes, and a connecting member.

[0014] Figure 9 Third stereoscopic view showing a partition member, a pair of liquid discharge pipes, and a connecting member.

[0015] Figure 10 Fourth stereoscopic view showing a partition member, a pair of liquid discharge pipes, and a connecting member.

[0016] Figure 11 Front view showing the partition member.

[0017] Figure 12 For showing along Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of the cross-section along the XII-XII section line in

[0018] Figure 13 First stereoscopic view showing the detailed structure of the liquid supply port member.

[0019] Figure 14 Second stereoscopic view showing the detailed structure of the liquid supply port member.

[0020] Figure 15 Bottom view of the liquid supply port member.

[0021] Figure 16 Explanatory view showing the welded portion with the bag at the central portion.

[0022] Figure 17 A first cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of a liquid supply port member along the central axis of the liquid supply port.

[0023] Figure 18 An explanatory diagram showing a flow path that appears on the bottom surface of the liquid supply port member in the liquid supply flow path.

[0024] Figure 19 A second cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of a liquid supply port member along the central axis of the liquid supply port.

[0025] Figure 20 An explanatory diagram showing a flow path that appears on the bottom surface of the liquid supply port member in the liquid filling flow path.

[0026] Figure 21 An explanatory diagram showing a flow path that appears on the upper surface of the liquid supply port member in the liquid filling flow path.

[0027] Figure 22 An explanatory diagram showing a part of the liquid filling flow path.

[0028] Figure 23 A perspective view showing the state of the end of the bag during liquid filling.

[0029] Figure 24 A cross-sectional view showing a liquid storage container according to a second embodiment. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] A. First embodiment:

[0031] A1. Overall structure of the printer:

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a printer 11 that replenishes liquid using a liquid storage container as an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printer 11 is, for example, an inkjet printer that forms a printed image by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper to record dots.

[0033] The printer 11 includes a housing 12 that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer body. A container storage portion 14 for storing a liquid storage container 20 in a detachable manner is provided inside the housing 12. A front cover 15 and an installation port 17 are arranged in order from the bottom side to the top on the front surface portion of the housing 12. The front cover 15 is rotated to open and close the container storage portion 14. The installation port 17 is used to install a box 16 that can store a medium (not shown). In addition, a tray 18 and an operation panel 19 are arranged on the upper side of the installation port 17. The discharge tray 18 is used to discharge the medium, and the operation panel 19 is used for the user to operate the printer 11. In addition, the front surface of the housing 12 refers to a side surface that has a height and a width and is assumed to be faced by the user when operating the printer 11.

[0034] In the container storage section 14 of the present embodiment, a plurality of liquid storage containers 20 can be installed in parallel in the width direction. Each liquid storage container 20 stores ink as an example of liquid. In the plurality of liquid storage containers 20, ink of any color among the inks of multiple colors ejected by the printer 11 is stored. In the present embodiment, the printer 11 ejects inks of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). Moreover, for black ink, it is stored in a liquid storage container 20 with a larger width. For inks of other colors (C, M, Y), they are stored in liquid storage containers 20 with a smaller width. In addition, the ejected ink is not limited to CMYK, and inks of any other colors may be ejected. In addition, inks of all colors may be stored in liquid storage containers 20 of the same width. Moreover, although the container storage section 14 of the present embodiment is a single-layer structure in the longitudinal direction (Z direction described later), it may also be a multi-layer structure. In this case, for example, a structure may be adopted in which one liquid storage container 20 having a relatively wide width is installed in the container storage section 14 of one layer among the multiple layers.

[0035] A liquid ejector 91 and a carriage 92 are provided in the housing 12. The liquid ejector 91 ejects liquid from a nozzle, and the carriage 92 reciprocates along a scanning direction that coincides with the width direction of the printer 11. The liquid ejector 91 moves together with the carriage 92 and ejects liquid supplied from the liquid storage container 20 toward the medium, thereby printing on the medium. In other embodiments, the liquid ejector 91 may be a line head that does not reciprocate but is fixed in position.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the direction intersecting the movement path when the liquid storage container 20 is installed in the container storage portion 14 is the width direction, and the direction in which the movement path extends is the depth direction. Further, the movement path and the width direction preferably intersect orthogonally. The width direction and the depth direction are substantially along the horizontal plane. In the drawings, the Z-axis represents the direction of gravity when the printer 11 is in its normal use state placed on the horizontal plane, and the Y-axis represents the movement direction when the liquid storage container 20 is installed in the container storage portion 14. The movement direction is sometimes also referred to as the installation direction or the insertion direction into the container storage portion 14, and the opposite direction of the movement direction is sometimes also referred to as the removal direction. Further, the width direction is represented by the X-axis orthogonal to the Z-axis and the Y-axis. The width direction, the direction of gravity, and the installation direction intersect each other and become the directions in the case of respectively describing the lengths of the width, height, and depth. Further, the width direction, the direction of gravity, and the installation direction preferably intersect orthogonally to each other.

[0037] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the printer 11 is in its normal use state. Further, the direction parallel to the Z-axis is referred to as the Z-direction, the direction in the Z-direction that is the same as the direction of gravity is referred to as the +Z direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of gravity is referred to as the -Z direction. Further, the direction parallel to the Y-axis is referred to as the Y-direction, one direction in the Y-direction is referred to as the +Y direction, and the other direction is referred to as the -Y direction. The direction parallel to the X-axis is referred to as the X-direction, one direction in the X-direction is referred to as the +X direction, and the other direction is referred to as the -X direction. The +Y direction corresponds to the movement direction of the liquid storage container 20 when the liquid storage container 20 is inserted into the container storage portion 14.

[0038] Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic perspective view of the container storage portion 14. As described above, in the present embodiment, the container storage portion 14 can store four liquid storage containers 20. A frame 24 is disposed on the -Y direction side of the container storage portion 14. The frame 24 has an insertion port 25 for inserting the liquid storage container 20 into the container storage portion 14.

[0039] The liquid storage container 20 is installed in the container storage portion 14 by moving through the insertion port 25 and along the +Y direction. Further, in Figure 2 FIG., with respect to the frame 24, only the vicinity of the front plate forming the insertion port 25 is illustrated by a solid line. At the end portion on the +Y direction side of the container storage portion 14, four connection mechanisms 29 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the liquid storage containers 20. The connection mechanism 29 is a mechanism for connecting each liquid storage container 20 to the printer 11.

[0040] The printer 11 includes a supply channel 30 and a supply mechanism 31. The supply channel 30 supplies liquid from a liquid storage container 20 installed in the container storage section 14 to the liquid ejection section 91. The supply mechanism 31 is configured to send the liquid stored in the liquid storage container 20 to the supply channel 30.

[0041] The supply channel 30 is provided for each type of liquid. The supply channel 30 includes a liquid introduction section 32 connected to the liquid storage container 20 and a flexible supply pipe 33. In the present embodiment, the supply channel 30 is provided for each color of ink. The liquid introduction section 32 is constituted by a needle-shaped tube member extending in the -Y direction. A pump chamber (not shown) is provided between the liquid introduction section 32 and the supply pipe 33. The downstream end of the liquid introduction section 32 and the upstream end of the supply pipe 33 communicate with the pump chamber. The pump chamber is partitioned by a pressure change chamber (not shown) and a flexible membrane (not shown).

[0042] The supply mechanism 31 includes a pressure change mechanism 34, a drive source 35 for the pressure change mechanism 34, and a pressure change channel 36 connecting the pressure change mechanism 34 and the above-described pressure change chamber. The drive source 35 is constituted by an electric motor, for example. When the pressure change mechanism 34 decompresses the pressure change chamber through the drive of the drive source 35 via the pressure change channel 36, the flexible membrane flexes and displaces toward the pressure change chamber side, thereby reducing the pressure in the pump chamber. Along with the reduction in the pressure in the pump chamber, the liquid stored in the liquid storage container 20 is sucked into the pump chamber through the liquid introduction section 32. This operation is referred to as "suction drive". Then, when the pressure change mechanism 34 relieves the decompression of the pressure change chamber via the pressure change channel 36, the flexible membrane flexes and displaces toward the pump chamber side, thereby increasing the pressure in the pump chamber. Thus, along with the increase in the pressure in the pump chamber, the liquid in the pump chamber flows out to the supply pipe 33 in a pressurized state. This operation is referred to as "ejection drive". And the supply mechanism 31 supplies the liquid from the liquid storage container 20 to the liquid ejection section 91 by alternately repeating the suction drive and the ejection drive.

[0043] Figure 3This is a schematic perspective view of the connection mechanism 29. The connection mechanism 29 has a first connection mechanism 29F and a second connection mechanism 29S at positions separated by the liquid introduction portion 32 in the width direction. The first connection mechanism 29F includes a device-side fixing structure 38. In a state where the liquid storage container 20 is installed in the container storage portion 14, the device-side fixing structure 38 engages with a container-side fixing structure of a converter 60 (first support portion 61) described later, thereby restricting the movement of the liquid storage container 20 in the -Y direction. In the first embodiment, the device-side fixing structure 38 is composed of an arm-shaped member. The device-side fixing structure 38 is disposed vertically below the liquid introduction portion 32 and protrudes in the -Y direction, which is the extraction direction of the liquid storage container 20. The device-side fixing structure 38 is configured such that the tip side can rotate about the base end side. A locking portion 39 is provided at the tip of the device-side fixing structure 38. The locking portion 39 is disposed on the movement path of the liquid storage container 20 when it is installed in the container storage portion 14 (refer to Figure 2 ). In the first embodiment, the locking portion 39 is configured as a convex portion protruding vertically upward from the device-side fixing structure 38.

[0044] The first connection mechanism 29F includes a device-side electrical connection portion 40. The device-side electrical connection portion 40 is disposed vertically above the liquid introduction portion 32 and protrudes in the -Y direction, which is the extraction direction. The device-side electrical connection portion 40 is connected to the control device 42 via a wire 41 such as a flat cable. The device-side electrical connection portion 40 is configured such that the upper end protrudes more in the extraction direction than the lower end and faces obliquely downward. In addition, a pair of guide protrusions 40a that protrude in the width direction and extend along the installation direction are disposed on both sides of the device-side electrical connection portion 40 in the width direction.

[0045] The second connection mechanism 29S includes an anti-misinsertion stopper 44 that is disposed vertically above the liquid introduction portion 32 and protrudes in the extraction direction. The stopper 44 has a concavo-convex shape disposed downward. The shape of the concavo-convex varies according to the connection mechanism 29 disposed in the container storage portion 14.

[0046] The connection mechanism 29 includes a pair of positioning portions 45, 46. The first positioning portion 45 is included in the first connection mechanism 29F, and the second positioning portion 46 is included in the second connection mechanism 29S. The first positioning portion 45 and the second positioning portion 46 are each configured as a shaft-shaped portion extending toward the -Y direction side, and are provided at positions separated from each other in the X direction with the liquid introduction portion 32 interposed therebetween. Preferably, the protruding length of each of the positioning portions 45, 46 in the extraction direction is longer than the protruding length of the liquid introduction portion 32 in the extraction direction.

[0047] The connecting mechanism 29 further includes a pressing mechanism 47 and a liquid receiving portion 48. The pressing mechanism 47 is arranged to surround the liquid introduction portion 32, and the liquid receiving portion 48 protrudes in the extraction direction below the liquid introduction portion 32. The pressing mechanism 47 includes: a frame member 47a that surrounds the base end portion of the liquid introduction portion 32; a pressing portion 47b that protrudes from the frame member 47a in the extraction direction; and a biasing portion 47c that biases the housing 13 in the extraction direction via the pressing portion 47b. The biasing portion 47c can be, for example, a coil spring sandwiched between the frame member 47a and the pressing portion 47b.

[0048] As described above, the connecting mechanism 29 is located at the end portion on the +Y direction side of the container storage portion 14 (refer to Figure 2 ). Therefore, the liquid introduction portion 32 and the device-side electrical connection portion 40 included in the connecting mechanism 29 are located at the end portion on the +Y direction side of the container storage portion 14. In addition, the liquid introduction portion 32, the device-side fixing structure 38, the first positioning portion 45, and the second positioning portion 46 extend from the end portion on the +Y direction side of the container storage portion 14 toward the -Y direction side.

[0049] A2. Schematic structure of the liquid storage container 20:

[0050] Figure 4 FIG. is a perspective view showing the external structure of the liquid storage container 20 in a state where the converter 60 is not installed. Figure 5 FIG. is a perspective view showing the external structure and the internal structure of the liquid storage container 20 in a state where the converter 60 is not installed. Figure 6 FIG. is a perspective view showing the external structure of the liquid storage container 20 in a state where the converter 60 is installed. In addition, in Figure 5 , for the sake of easy explanation, a part of the structure stored inside the bag 21 described later is shown in the state of the transparent bag 21.

[0051] As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the liquid storage container 20 includes: a bag 21 that defines a liquid storage portion, a liquid supply port member 80, a partition member 70, a pair of liquid outlet pipes 73a, 73b, a connecting member 72, and a converter 60.

[0052] The bag 21 is flexible. The bag 21 of the present embodiment has a planar shape that is roughly rectangular with the Y direction as the long side direction and the X direction as the short side direction. An opening is formed at the end 22 of the bag 21 in the +Y direction. The bag 21 is a pillow-shaped bag formed by overlapping two films of a roughly rectangular shape and joining the peripheral portions of the other parts except the portion corresponding to the end 22. In addition, it can also be a gusset type instead of a pillow type. The film constituting the bag 21 is formed by a material having flexibility and gas barrier properties. For example, as a material for the film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polyethylene, etc. can be listed. In addition, the film can also be formed by a laminated structure in which multiple layers of films composed of these materials are laminated. In such a laminated structure, for example, the outer layer can be formed by PET or nylon with excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer can be formed by polyethylene with excellent ink resistance. Moreover, a film having a layer formed by vapor deposition of aluminum or the like can also be set as a structural component of a laminated structure.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, the bag 21 has a liquid storage portion 21c as an internal space for storing liquid. In the liquid storage portion 21c, ink obtained by dispersing a pigment as a sedimentation component in a solvent is stored as liquid.

[0054] The liquid supply port member 80 includes a liquid supply port 810, and supplies the liquid in the liquid storage section 21c toward the printer 11 through the liquid supply port 810. The liquid supply port member 80 receives the liquid filled in the liquid storage section 21c through the liquid supply port 810. The liquid supply port member 80 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The end 22 of the bag 21 is mounted on the liquid supply port member 80. More specifically, the liquid supply port member 80 is configured such that a portion of the liquid supply port member 80 in the -Y direction is stored in the opening of the end 22, and the remaining portion of the liquid supply port member 80 in the +Y direction is exposed to the outside from the end 22. Moreover, in the portion of the liquid supply port member 80 stored in the opening of the end 22, the liquid supply port member 80 and the end 22 are welded together, thereby closing the opening of the end 22. The liquid supply port 810 is used to guide the liquid in the liquid storage section 21c to the printer 11, and is also used to fill the liquid into the liquid storage section 21c. The detailed structure of the liquid supply port member 80 will be described later.

[0055] like Figure 5As shown, the partition member 70, a pair of liquid outlet pipes 73a and 73b, and the connecting member 72 are arranged in the liquid storage portion 21c. The partition member 70 is a structure for partitioning a region of a certain volume inside the bag 21. The partition member 70 is formed of the same synthetic resin as that forming the liquid supply port member 80. Alternatively, it may be formed of a synthetic resin different from the synthetic resin forming the liquid supply port member 80. The partition member 70 has a portion located on the -Y direction side compared to the pair of liquid outlet pipes 73a and 73b. The partition member 70 is provided at a position intersecting with a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane passing through the central axis CX of the liquid supply port 810. The partition member 70 has a surface 711 at the end in the -Y direction, and this surface 711 is inclined such that the dimension in the Z direction along the partition member 70 becomes larger as it goes from the -Y direction side toward the +Y direction side. Hereinafter, the surface 711 will be referred to as the "inclined surface 711". In the present embodiment, the partition member 70 has inclined surfaces 711 on the -Z direction side and the +Z direction side compared to the central axis CX, respectively. Therefore, when viewed in the X direction, the partition member 70 has a shape that tapers toward the -Y direction side. In the present embodiment, the "surface" includes not only a surface composed only of a flat plane, but also a surface on which a groove or a recess is formed on its surface, a surface on which a protrusion or a convex portion is formed on its surface, and an imaginary surface surrounded by a frame. That is, as long as it can be recognized as a "surface" as a whole, even if there are irregularities or through holes in the fixed area occupied by the surface, it does not matter.

[0056] In the posture in which the liquid storage container 20 is installed in the printer 11, at least one of the lowermost part and the uppermost part of the partition member 70 contacts the inner surface of the bag 21. In the present embodiment, both the lowermost part and the uppermost part of the partition member 70 contact the inner surface of the bag 21. Hereinafter, the posture of the liquid storage container 20 when the liquid storage container 20 is in the installed state will be referred to as the "installed posture". In the present embodiment, in the installed posture, the height of the lowermost part of the partition member 70 and the center of the uppermost part of the partition member 70 coincides with the height of the central axis CX of the liquid supply port 810.

[0057] Figure 7 It is a first perspective view showing the partition member 70, a pair of liquid outlet pipes 73a and 73b, and the connecting member 72. Figure 8 It is a second perspective view showing the partition member 70, a pair of liquid outlet pipes 73a and 73b, and the connecting member 72. Figure 9 It is a third perspective view showing the partition member 70, a pair of liquid outlet pipes 73a and 73b, and the connecting member 72. Figure 10 It is a fourth perspective view showing the partition member 70, a pair of liquid outlet pipes 73a and 73b, and the connecting member 72. Figure 11This is the front view showing the separation member 70.

[0058] As Figures 7 to 11 shown, the separation member 70 includes a back member 718. The back member 718 is a plate-shaped member having a substantially hexagonal shape in a plan view. The back member 718 is disposed at the portion where the dimension in the Z direction of the separation member 70 is the largest in a manner parallel to the X-Z plane. As Figure 11 shown, in the back member 718, a first inlet 713 is formed on the -Z direction side. In addition, in the back member 718, a second inlet 716 is formed on the +Z direction side. The first inlet 713 is an opening for introducing the liquid in the upper side of the liquid storage portion 21c of the bag 21 into the second liquid outlet pipe 73b. The second inlet 716 is an opening for introducing the liquid in the lower side of the liquid storage portion 21c of the bag 21 into the first liquid outlet pipe 73a. The first inlet 713 is in fluid communication with the second liquid outlet pipe 73b connected to the back member 718. In addition, the second inlet 716 is in fluid communication with the first liquid outlet pipe 73a connected to the back member 718. The inner diameter of the first inlet 713 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second inlet 716. In other words, the inner diameter of the second inlet 716 is larger than the inner diameter of the first inlet 713. Therefore, the second inlet 716 located below the first inlet 713 is more likely to suck the liquid in the liquid storage portion 21c. In addition, the separation member 70 has inclined surfaces not only on the -Z direction side and the +Z direction side with respect to the central axis CX, but also on the -X direction side and the +X direction side respectively.

[0059] As Figures 7 to 11 shown, the separation member 70 includes a groove-shaped first flow path 712 and a second flow path 719. The first flow path 712 is a flow path for allowing the liquid to flow in the +Y direction toward the first inlet 713 and the second inlet 716. The second flow path 719 is a flow path for allowing the liquid to flow in a direction intersecting the Y direction. In the present embodiment, a plurality of second flow paths 719 are formed. The second flow path 719 is formed by forming a groove extending along the vertical direction and the X direction from the inclined surface 711 of the separation member 70. In addition, the second flow path 719 may be formed in such a manner that the liquid flows in a direction intersecting both the X direction and the Y direction. In addition, in other embodiments, at least one of the first flow path 712 and the second flow path 719 can be omitted.

[0060] A pair of liquid outlet pipes 73a and 73b introduce the liquid sucked from the second inlet 716 and the first inlet 713 into the liquid supply port member 80. The pair of liquid outlet pipes 73a and 73b are formed of elastic pipes made of an elastomer, for example. The pair of liquid outlet pipes 73a and 73b have the same length as each other. As Figures 7 to 10 shown, in the present embodiment, in the installation posture, the +Y direction end portions of the first liquid outlet pipe 73a and the second liquid outlet pipe 73b are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Further, in the installation posture, the -Y direction end portions of the first liquid outlet pipe 73a and the second liquid outlet pipe 73b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Therefore, the liquid sucked from the first liquid outlet pipe 73a and the second liquid outlet pipe 73b is mixed in the liquid supply port member 80 after being converted from the state of flowing side by side in the vertical direction to the state of flowing side by side in the horizontal direction, and is led out from the liquid supply port 810 to the printer 11. Additionally, in other embodiments, it is also possible to adopt a manner in which the +Y direction end portions of the first liquid outlet pipe 73a and the second liquid outlet pipe 73b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and the -Y direction end portions of the first liquid outlet pipe 73a and the second liquid outlet pipe 73b are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, a manner in which the +Y direction end portions of the first liquid outlet pipe 73a and the second liquid outlet pipe 73b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and the -Y direction end portions of the first liquid outlet pipe 73a and the second liquid outlet pipe 73b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and a manner in which the +Y direction end portions of the first liquid outlet pipe 73a and the second liquid outlet pipe 73b are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction and the -Y direction end portions of the first liquid outlet pipe 73a and the second liquid outlet pipe 73b are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

[0061] The connecting member 72 has a rod-like external shape, and one end is connected to the partitioning member 70 and the other end is connected to the liquid supply port member 80. The connecting member 72 connects the partitioning member 70 and the liquid supply port member 80, thereby fixing the position of the partitioning member 70 in the liquid storage portion 21c. The connecting member 72 is arranged along the Y direction. A plurality of ribs arranged side by side in the Y direction are provided on the surface of the connecting member 72 to improve the rigidity. The connecting member 72 is formed of the same type of synthetic resin as that forming the liquid supply port member 80. Additionally, it may also be formed of a different type of synthetic resin from that forming the liquid supply port member 80.

[0062] As Figure 6As shown, a converter 60 is mounted on the bag 21 and housed in the printer 11. The converter 60 is mounted so as to cover the liquid supply port member 80. The converter 60 has a physical structure for connecting the liquid storage container 20 to the connection mechanism 29. The converter 60 includes two support portions (a first support portion 61 and a second support portion 62) that can be disassembled in the vertical direction (Z direction) and a handle portion 51.

[0063] Figure 12 Indicates a cross-sectional view of a cross-section along the Figure 6 section line XII-XII in. The first support portion 61 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the second support portion 62 and the liquid supply port member 80, and supports the liquid supply port member 80 from below. The first support portion 61 includes a placement portion 619. The placement portion 619 has a surface parallel to the X-Y plane (horizontal plane) in the mounted state and places the liquid storage container 20. In other words, the placement portion 619 supports the liquid storage container 20 from below. The second support portion 62 is located in the -Z direction with respect to the first support portion 61 and the liquid supply port member 80. The second support portion 62 includes a plurality of ribs 625 extending in the +Z direction. In the present embodiment, the central portion of the liquid storage container 20 in the X direction does not contact the second support portion 62 (rib 625). Both end portions of the liquid storage container 20 in the X direction are sandwiched and supported by the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62.

[0064] As Figure 6 shown, the first support portion 61 includes a terminal arrangement portion 614, an engagement groove 622, an insertion portion 621, a first housing portion 623, and a second housing portion 624.

[0065] The terminal arrangement portion 614 is configured as a recessed portion that is recessed in the +Z direction, and the container-side electrical connection portion 50 is arranged, and in the mounted state, houses the device-side electrical connection portion 40. The container-side electrical connection portion 50 is provided on the surface of the circuit board. A storage portion is provided on this circuit board, and the storage portion stores various information related to the liquid storage container 20, such as the type of the liquid storage container 20 and the amount of liquid stored.

[0066] The engaging groove 622 is formed below the terminal arrangement portion 614 and on the +Z-direction end face of the first support portion 61. The engaging groove 622 communicates with the +Y-direction end face of the first support portion 61. The engaging groove 622 forms part of the container-side fixing structure and engages with the engaging portion 39 of the device-side fixing structure 38. The engaging groove 622 includes: a groove that becomes the path for the engaging portion 39 to move when the liquid storage container 20 is stored (inserted) into the container storage portion 14; a groove that becomes the path for the engaging portion 39 to move when the liquid storage container 20 is removed from the container storage portion 14; and a portion that engages with the engaging portion 39 in the installed state. By engaging the engaging groove 622 and the engaging portion 39, the position of the liquid storage container 20 is fixed in the installed state.

[0067] The insertion portion 621 is disposed at approximately the center in the X direction in the first support portion 61. The insertion portion 621 is configured as a hole that opens on the +Y-direction end face of the first support portion 61 and extends in the Y direction. The supply port forming portion 812, which will be described later, of the liquid supply port member 80 is inserted into the insertion portion 621. Thereby, the liquid supply port 810 is disposed in the insertion portion 621. Further, in the installed state, the liquid introduction portion 32 is inserted into the insertion portion 621.

[0068] The first receiving portion 623 is provided at a position in the -X direction with respect to the insertion portion 621 and close to the +Z-direction (lower) end of the first support portion 61. The second receiving portion 624 is provided at a position in the +X direction with respect to the insertion portion 621 and close to the +Z-direction (lower) end of the first support portion 61. Similar to the insertion portion 621, the first receiving portion 623 and the second receiving portion 624 are configured as holes that open on the +Y-direction end face of the first support portion 61 and extend in the Y direction. In the installed state, the first positioning portion 45 is inserted into the first receiving portion 623. Further, in the installed state, the second positioning portion 46 is inserted into the second receiving portion 624. Thereby, when the liquid storage container 20 is inserted into the container storage portion 14 from the insertion port 25, the liquid storage container 20 is positioned.

[0069] The second support portion 62 includes an identification unit arrangement portion 612 and an identification unit 613. The identification unit arrangement portion 612 is configured as a recess that is recessed in the +Z direction, for arranging the identification unit 613, and for housing the blocking member 44 in the installed state. The identification unit 613 has a concavo-convex shape arranged upward. When the correct liquid storage container 20 among the plurality of liquid storage containers 20 is inserted into the container storage portion 14, the identification unit 613 is engaged with the blocking member 44 of the container storage portion 14. In the present embodiment, for each of the four container storage portions 14, it is preset which color of ink the installed and stored liquid storage container 20 contains. And the above-mentioned "correct liquid storage container 20" means a liquid storage container 20 that stores the ink of the preset color. The blocking member 44 and the identification unit 613 are formed in different shapes for each of the various colors of ink. Therefore, as described above, when the correct liquid storage container 20 is inserted into the container storage portion 14, it is engaged with the blocking member 44 of the container storage portion 14.

[0070] A3. Detailed structure of the liquid supply port member 80:

[0071] Figure 13 FIG. is a first perspective view showing the detailed structure of the liquid supply port member 80. Figure 14 FIG. is a second perspective view showing the detailed structure of the liquid supply port member 80. Figure 15 FIG. is a bottom view of the liquid supply port member 80.

[0072] As Figures 13 to 15 shown, the liquid supply port member 80 includes a tip portion 81, a central portion 82, and a base end portion 83. In addition, the liquid supply port member 80 internally includes a check valve (the check valve 87 described later) not shown in Figures 13 to 15 . The tip portion 81 is located at the most +Y direction in the liquid supply port member 80. The base end portion 83 is located at the most -Y direction in the liquid supply port member 80. The central portion 82 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the tip portion 81 and the base end portion 83, and is located at the center in the Y direction in the liquid supply port member 80. In addition, the liquid supply port member 80 has a structure that is symmetric about the central axis CX of the liquid supply port 810 in the left-right direction (in the X direction).

[0073] The top portion 81 includes a plate-like portion 811, a supply port forming portion 812, and a pair of positioning claws 813. The plate-like portion 811 has a thin plate-like external shape. The supply port forming portion 812 has a cylindrical external shape, and a liquid supply port 810 is formed at the end portion in the +Y direction. The supply port forming portion 812 is arranged such that the direction of the central axis coincides with the Y direction at the center in the X direction in the plate-like portion 811. The central axis of the supply port forming portion 812 coincides with the central axis CX of the liquid supply port 810. One of the pair of positioning claws 813 is arranged on the end portion in the +Y direction on the +X direction side with respect to the liquid supply port 810 in the plate-like portion 811. In addition, the other of the pair of positioning claws 813 is arranged on the end portion in the +Y direction on the -X direction side with respect to the liquid supply port 810. The pair of positioning claws 813 define the position of the liquid supply port member 80 in the converter 60 by being inserted into predetermined grooves in the first support portion 61 of the converter 60.

[0074] The central portion 82 protrudes in the +X direction and the -X direction, and protrudes in the +Z direction and the -Z direction, compared with the top portion 81 and the base end portion 83. The central portion 82 has a hexagonal planar shape when observed in the Y direction. In addition, as Figure 15 shown, the central portion 82 has a substantially rectangular planar shape when observed in the Z direction. The end portion 22 of the bag 21 is welded to the central portion 82.

[0075] Figure 16 FIG. is an explanatory diagram showing the welding portion 820 of the bag 21 at the central portion 82. In Figure 16 , except that the welding portion 820 is shown by hatched lines, it is the same drawing as Figure 14 . As Figures 13 to 16 shown, a plurality of grooves having the Z direction as the depth direction are formed on the +Z direction surface (bottom surface) and the -Z direction surface (upper surface) of the central portion 82. The welding portion 820 is configured as a set of portions other than the grooves. Although not shown, the welding portion 820 is also formed on the upper surface of the central portion 82 shown in Figure 13 . The welding portion 820 is the portion where the end portion 22 of the bag 21 is welded. A part of the above-described grooves formed on the liquid supply port member 80 forms a flow path for the liquid between the bag 21. The liquid supply port 810 of the liquid supply port member 80 protrudes from the bag 21 on the +Y side with respect to the welding portion 820, that is, as Figure 5 shown.

[0076] As Figure 13As shown, an upper surface flow path forming portion 821 is formed on the upper surface of the central portion 82. An upper surface flow path 823, which will be described later, is formed between the upper surface flow path forming portion 821 and the bag 21. The upper surface flow path forming portion 821 is constituted by a groove extending along the X direction. One end of the upper surface flow path forming portion 821 communicates with a communication channel 826, which will be described later. The other end of the upper surface flow path forming portion 821 is not sealed and opens into the liquid storage portion 21c, and a filling port 822 is formed between it and the bag 21. Liquid passes through the filling port 822 when filling the liquid into the liquid storage portion 21c.

[0077] As Figure 14 well as Figure 15 shown, a second storage portion 825, a communication port forming portion 827, an end opening 829, a check valve storage portion 824, and a first cut portion C1 are formed on the bottom surface of the central portion 82.

[0078] The second storage portion 825 is constituted by a groove with the -Z direction as the depth direction. The second storage portion 825 temporarily stores the liquid when filling the liquid into the liquid storage portion 21c (hereinafter, only referred to as "filling") in the space provided between it and the bag 21. The communication port forming portion 827 projects from the bottom surface of the second storage portion 825 in the +Z direction. The communication port forming portion 827 has a cylindrical outer shape, and a communication channel 826 is formed inside it. The communication channel 826 is configured as a through hole that penetrates the liquid supply port member 80 in the thickness direction (Z direction). Liquid flows through the communication channel 826 during filling. A communication port 85, which is an end of the communication channel 826, is in fluid communication with a liquid filling flow path P2, which will be described later, and faces the inner surface of the bag 21. The communication port 85 faces downward in the installed state. The height of the communication port forming portion 827 is the same as the height of the rib (wall portion) forming the second storage portion 825. Therefore, when supplying the liquid in the liquid storage portion 21c from the liquid supply port 810 to the printer 11 (hereinafter, only referred to as "supply"), the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 abuts against the bag 21. The peripheral portion 828 corresponds to the +Z direction end face of the communication port forming portion 827 and is configured as an annular surface forming the periphery of the communication port 85. As Figure 12 shown, the placement portion 619 of the first support portion 61 supports the liquid supply port member 80 from below the communication port 85 in the installed state and makes the bag 21 abut against the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85. However, as Figure 16 shown, the peripheral portion 828 is not welded to the bag 21. Therefore, as will be described later, the peripheral portion 828 does not abut against the bag 21 during filling.

[0079] As Figure 14 , Figure 15As shown, the end opening 829 is located at the center in the X direction in the second storage portion 825 and opens in the +Z direction on the top surface (the end surface in the -Z direction) of the second storage portion 825. The end opening 829 forms the -Z-direction end of the second internal flow path 852 described later. The end opening 829 supplies liquid to the second storage portion 825 during liquid filling.

[0080] The check valve housing portion 824 has a cylindrical outer shape formed at the center of the bottom surface of the central portion 82 at the center in the X direction. The check valve 87 and the valve seat support portion 874 described later are housed in the check valve housing portion 824. Details of the check valve 87 and the valve seat support portion 874 will be described below.

[0081] The first cutout portion C1 is formed at a portion adjacent to the wall portion forming the check valve housing portion 824 (cylinder) in the -Y direction. The first cutout portion C1 is formed so as to be recessed in the -Z direction compared to other portions of the wall portion forming the check valve housing portion 824. Therefore, as Figure 16 shown, the first cutout portion C1 is not welded to the bag 21 and does not contact the bag 21.

[0082] The base end portion 83 has a recess 830 recessed in the +Y direction, and is connected to the connecting member 72 in the recess 830. As Figure 13 shown, the peripheral edge portion 831 of the upper surface of the base end portion 83 protrudes slightly in the -Z direction compared to other portions of the upper surface of the base end portion 83. The bag 21 is welded to the peripheral edge portion 831.

[0083] As Figure 14 and Figure 15 shown, a peripheral edge portion 832 and a first storage portion 833 surrounded by the peripheral edge portion 832 and the central portion 82 are provided on the bottom surface side of the base end portion 83.

[0084] The peripheral edge portion 832, like the above-mentioned peripheral edge portion 831, protrudes in the +Z direction compared to other portions of the bottom surface of the base end portion 83 (i.e., the first storage portion 833). As Figure 16 shown, the bag 21 is welded to the peripheral edge portion 832. In the peripheral edge portion 832, a first communication hole 83a is formed at a position closer to the -X direction than the recess 830. The first communication hole 83a communicates the first liquid outlet pipe 73a and the first storage portion 833. In addition, in the peripheral edge portion 832, a second communication hole 83b is formed at a position closer to the +X direction than the recess 830. The second communication hole 83b communicates the second liquid outlet pipe 73b and the first storage portion 833.

[0085] The first storage unit 833 is formed by a groove with the -Z direction as the depth direction. During supply, the first storage unit 833 temporarily stores the liquid in the space provided between it and the bag 21. Specifically, for the first storage unit 833, the liquid is supplied via the first communication hole 83a from the first liquid outlet pipe 73a, and the liquid is also supplied via the second communication hole 83b from the second liquid outlet pipe 73b. Here, as Figure 14 , Figure 15 shown, the first storage unit 833 communicates with the first cutout portion C1 formed in the central portion 82. Therefore, the check valve housing portion 824 and the first storage unit 833 communicate with each other via the first cutout portion C1.

[0086] A4. Flow of the liquid during supply:

[0087] Figure 17 FIG. 11 is a first cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the liquid supply port member 80 along the central axis CX of the liquid supply port 810. In Figure 17 , a cross-section parallel to the Y-Z plane is shown. In Figure 17 , the liquid supply flow path P1 is indicated by solid-line arrow marks. In addition, the liquid filling flow path P2 is indicated by dashed-line arrow marks. The liquid supply flow path P1 is provided inside the liquid supply port member 80 and fluidly connects the liquid storage portion 21c and the liquid supply port 810. The liquid filling flow path P2 is provided so as to branch from the liquid supply flow path P1. The liquid filling flow path P2 is a flow path through which the liquid flows when the liquid filled from the liquid supply port 810 is filled into the liquid storage portion 21c of the bag 21.

[0088] Inside the tip portion 81 of the liquid supply port member 80, a shaft hole 89 is formed along the central axis CX. Inside the shaft hole 89, a first flow path forming member 841, a second flow path forming member 842, and an elastic body 843 are arranged in sequence from the liquid supply port 810 in the -Y direction. These first flow path forming member 841, second flow path forming member 842, and elastic body 843 are arranged such that their central axes are aligned with each other. Both the first flow path forming member 841 and the second flow path forming member 842 have a cylindrical outer shape and are arranged at positions corresponding to the inside of the supply port forming portion 812. A ring-shaped protrusion is formed at the +Y direction end of the first flow path forming member 841 and is engaged with a groove provided in the shaft hole 89. The +Y direction end of the second flow path forming member 842 is in contact with the -Y direction end of the first flow path forming member 841. In the present embodiment, the elastic body 843 is constituted by a helical spring. The +Y direction end of the elastic body 843 is in contact with the -Y direction end of the second flow path forming member 842. The -Y direction end of the elastic body 843 abuts against the wall located at the -Y direction end of the shaft hole 89. The elastic body 843 applies a force to the second flow path forming member 842 in the +Y direction. As described above, since the first flow path forming member 841 that is in contact with the second flow path forming member 842 in the +Y direction is fitted in the shaft hole 89, the positions of the first flow path forming member 841 and the second flow path forming member 842 do not shift in the +Y direction from Figure 17 the state shown.

[0089] The -Y direction end of the shaft hole 89 reaches inside the central portion 82 and communicates with a first internal flow path 851 formed inside the central portion 82. The first internal flow path 851 is arranged to extend in the Y direction. The first internal flow path 851 communicates with a second internal flow path 852. The second internal flow path 852 is arranged to extend in the Z direction. The -Z direction end of the second internal flow path 852 corresponds to the end opening 829. In addition, the first internal flow path 851 is configured to be able to communicate with the inside of the check valve housing portion 824.

[0090] Inside the central portion 82, a cylindrical check valve housing portion 824 is formed as described above, and a check valve 87 and a valve seat support portion 874 are housed. The position of the check valve housing portion 824 is located between the branch position XP of the liquid supply flow path P1 and the liquid filling flow path P2 and the liquid storage portion 21c. Therefore, the check valve 87 is located between the branch position XP and the liquid storage portion 21c.

[0091] The check valve 87 allows the flow of liquid from the liquid storage portion 21c toward the liquid supply port 810 and restricts the flow of liquid from the liquid supply port 810 toward the liquid storage portion 21c. The check valve 87 has a valve body 871 and a valve seat 872. The valve body 871 has a thin disk-shaped outer appearance and has a cutout and a through hole formed in its peripheral portion. The valve seat 872 has a flat cylindrical outer appearance and has a through hole 873 formed at its center. As Figure 17 shown, this through hole 873 is opened when the valve body 871 is located above. At this time, the first internal flow path 851 and the inside of the check valve housing portion 824 communicate with each other. In addition, an opening is also provided on the top surface of the check valve housing portion 824 and is configured to allow liquid to flow through. On the other hand, when the valve body 871 is located below, the through hole 873 is closed by the valve body 871. At this time, the first internal flow path 851 and the inside of the check valve housing portion 824 do not communicate with each other.

[0092] Figure 18 FIG. is an explanatory diagram showing the flow path that appears on the bottom surface of the liquid supply port member 80 in the liquid supply flow path P1. In Figure 18 it, for a perspective view of the same liquid supply port member 80 as Figure 14 , the liquid supply flow path P1 is additionally marked with a thick arrow.

[0093] During liquid supply, the liquid storage container 20 is stored in the container storage portion 14, and the liquid introduction portion 32 of the connection mechanism 29 is inserted into the insertion portion 621 and into the shaft hole 89. In this state, when liquid is supplied, the liquid transported from the partition member 70 via the liquid discharge pipe 73a flows into the first storage portion 833 through the first communication hole 83a of the liquid supply port member 80 as Figure 18 shown. Similarly, the liquid transported from the partition member 70 via the second liquid discharge pipe 73b flows into the first storage portion 833 through the second communication hole 83b of the liquid supply port member 80. The liquid that has flowed into the first storage portion 833 reaches the valve seat support portion 874 via the first cutout portion C1.

[0094] As Figure 17 shown, the liquid that reaches the check valve housing portion 824 pushes up the valve body 871 by flowing upward from the through hole 873 and flows into the check valve housing portion 824. Then, the liquid flows from the check valve housing portion 824 into the first internal flow path 851 and is discharged from the liquid supply port 810 in the +Y direction within the first internal flow path 851. At this time, the liquid introduction portion 32 of the connection mechanism 29 is inserted inside the shaft hole 89, and liquid is supplied from the liquid introduction portion 32 into the inside of the printer 11.

[0095] As Figure 17As shown, during supply, the liquid is depressurized and sucked through the liquid supply port 810 by a suction means such as a suction pump of the printer 11, so that the bag 21 abuts against the peripheral edge 828 of the communication port 85, and the communication port 85 is closed by the bag surface. Therefore, the flow of liquid from the liquid storage portion 21c to the supply port 810 through the communication port 85 and the liquid filling flow path P2 is blocked.

[0096] In addition, when the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 21c is reduced due to the supply of liquid, the liquid storage section 21c becomes negative pressure. In this case, the pressure (atmospheric pressure) on the side of the first internal flow channel 851 across the valve body 871 is higher than that on the side of the through hole 873 (negative pressure), so the valve body 871 moves downward and abuts against the valve seat 872. As a result, the through hole 873 is closed, thereby suppressing the flow of air from the first internal flow channel 851 to the liquid storage section 21c through the through hole 873. As a result, it is possible to suppress the storage of liquid containing bubbles in the liquid storage section 21c, and suppress the supply of liquid containing such bubbles to the printer 11.

[0097] A5. Liquid flow during liquid filling:

[0098] Figure 19 2 is a second cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the liquid supply port member 80 along the central axis CX of the liquid supply port 810. Figure 19 In the figure, it is shown that Figure 17 The cross section at the same location. Figure 19 In, with Figure 17 Differently, the liquid supply flow path P1 is indicated by a dotted arrow mark, and the liquid filling flow path P2 is indicated by a solid arrow mark. Figure 20 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow path in the liquid filling flow path P2 that appears on the bottom surface of the liquid supply port member 80. Figure 20 In Figure 14 Similarly, in the perspective view of the liquid supply port member 80, a liquid filling flow path P2 is additionally indicated by a thicker arrow mark. Figure 21 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow path in the liquid filling flow path P2 that appears on the upper surface of the liquid supply port member 80. Figure 21 In Figure 13 In the same perspective view, the liquid filling flow path P2 is additionally indicated by a thicker arrow mark. Figure 22 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a portion of the liquid filling flow path P2. Figure 22 In the figure, it is shown that Figure 15 In addition, Figure 22 In the diagram, thicker arrows are used to indicate the flow of liquid during filling. Figure 22In order to facilitate illustration, each structural element is elongated in the Z direction and schematically represented.

[0099] During liquid filling, the liquid storage container 20 is removed from the container storage portion 14. In addition, the converter 60 is removed from the liquid storage container 20. Then, a cylindrical supply portion provided in a liquid filling device (not shown) is inserted into the shaft hole 89 from the liquid supply port 810. At this time, the posture of the liquid storage container 20 is the same as the posture in the installed state. In this state, when liquid is supplied to the shaft hole 89 from the liquid filling device (not shown), the liquid flows into the first internal flow path 851. Additionally, it is not always necessary to remove the converter 60 during liquid filling. For example, in a case where there is a gap between the first support portion 61 and the liquid supply port member 80 to which the bag 21 is attached, or in a case where the second support portion 62 does not support the liquid supply port member 80 to which the bag 21 is attached in a manner of pressing it toward the first support portion 61 side, the converter 60 may not be removed.

[0100] As Figure 19 shown, a part of the liquid flowing into the first internal flow path 851 flows into the check valve storage portion 824. At this time, the liquid presses down the valve body 871 and makes it contact the valve seat 872. As a result, the through hole 873 is closed, the check valve storage portion 824 becomes a closed space, and it does not hinder the flow of liquid through the through hole 873 as Figure 22 shown, in other words, it does not hinder the flow of liquid passing through the through hole 873 toward the liquid storage portion 21c.

[0101] On the other hand, the liquid flowing into the second internal flow path 852 from the branch position XP shown in Figure 19 flows into the second storage portion 825 from the end opening 829 as indicated by the arrow marks in Figure 20 . Here, the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 is not welded to the bag 21, and the bag 21 has flexibility. Therefore, after the second storage portion 825 is filled with liquid, when liquid further flows into the second storage portion 825 from the end opening 829, the bag 21 flexes downward (+Z direction), and the bag 21 separates from the peripheral portion 828.

[0102] Figure 23It is a perspective view showing the state of the end portion 22 of the bag 21 when filled with liquid. As described above, after the second storage portion 825 is filled with liquid and when the liquid further flows into the second storage portion 825 from the end opening 829, the bag 21 flexes downward to form a protruding portion 23. The protruding portion 23 protrudes in the +Z direction compared to other portions on the +Z-direction end surface of the end portion 22. As described above, since the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 is not welded to the bag 21, the portion of the bag 21 corresponding to the peripheral portion 828 protrudes in the +Z direction in the same manner as other portions. As a result, the shape of the protruding portion 23 in a plan view in the Z direction is substantially the same as the outer shape of the second storage portion 825. Thus, by forming the protruding portion 23, a gap is formed between the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 and the bag 21. Therefore, as Figure 20 shown, the liquid flows from the second storage portion 825 into the communication channel 826 through this gap.

[0103] As Figure 21 and Figure 22 shown, the liquid flowing into the communication channel 826 in the bottom surface of the liquid supply port member 80 reaches the upper surface flow path 823 in the upper surface of the liquid supply port member 80. And this liquid is supplied (filled) from the upper surface flow path 823 into the liquid storage portion 21c through the filling port 822.

[0104] According to the liquid storage container 20 of the first embodiment described above, the bag 21 is configured to be able to abut against the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 that is interposed therebetween when in liquid communication with the liquid filling flow path P2 and in liquid communication with the liquid storage portion 21c. Therefore, during liquid supply, due to the suction action on the liquid supply port side, the surface of the bag 21 abuts against the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85, thereby closing the communication port 85. As a result, ink supply via the communication port 85 is not performed. Further, since the bag 21 is installed on the liquid supply port member 80 in such a manner that a gap is formed between the bag 21 and the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 by the flow of liquid from the liquid supply flow path P1 to the liquid filling flow path P2 and this gap is in liquid communication with the liquid storage portion 21c via the communication port 85, it is possible to easily refill the liquid into the liquid storage portion 21c by causing the liquid to flow from the liquid supply flow path P1 into the liquid filling flow path P2. In addition, since it is not necessary to process the bag 21 or the like at the stage before refilling, the refilling operation becomes easy and the generation of waste can be suppressed. Further, since it is not necessary to cut off a part of the bag 21 or make an opening, a reduction in the liquid filling amount can be suppressed. Additionally, since it is not necessary to process the bag 21 or the like, foreign matter can be prevented from entering the bag 21, and the liquid can be supplied to the printer 11 while maintaining the quality of the liquid in a good state. Moreover, compared with the structure in which the liquid filling flow path P2 is closed after the first liquid request to the printer 11 is completed, the process of performing the closing can be omitted and refilling can be carried out. Further, compared with the structure in which the liquid filling port and the liquid supply port 810 are separately provided in advance and the filling port is blocked, sealed with a film, or sealed with a lid after liquid filling, the sealing member and the process of sealing the filling port with the sealing member can be omitted. In addition, there is no need to open the port again when performing refilling.

[0105] In addition, since the communication port 85 is configured to face downward in the installed state, and the first support portion 61 supports the liquid supply port member 80 from below the communication port 85 in the installed state so that the bag 21 abuts against the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85, therefore, in the installed state, due to the self-weight of the liquid storage container 20, the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 can be closely attached to the bag 21 supported from below by the first support portion 61. Therefore, the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion 21c to the liquid filling flow path P2 can be suppressed, and thus the liquid supply from the liquid supply flow path P1 can be performed well. In particular, since it is difficult for the portion of the bag 21 opposed to the communication port 85 to generate wrinkles due to the self-weight of the liquid storage container 20, the close contact state between the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 and the bag 21 can be made good, and thus the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion 21c to the liquid filling flow path P2 can be suppressed. Therefore, the situation where the liquid with a higher concentration staying below the liquid storage portion 21c is supplied via the liquid filling flow path P2 can be suppressed.

[0106] In addition, since the check valve 87 that allows the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion 21c toward the liquid supply port 810 and restricts the flow of the liquid from the liquid supply port 810 toward the liquid storage portion 21c is provided, even when the remaining amount of the liquid in the liquid storage portion 21c decreases and the negative pressure increases due to the liquid supply, the situation where air is sucked into the liquid storage portion 21c from the liquid supply port 810 can be suppressed. Therefore, the situation where bubbles are supplied to the printer 11 can be suppressed, and thus the reduction of the printing quality can be suppressed.

[0107] According to the liquid storage container 20 of the first embodiment described above, since the bag 21 is configured to be able to abut against the peripheral portion of the communication port interposed therebetween when in liquid communication with the liquid filling flow path P2 and in liquid communication with the liquid storage portion, it is possible to suppress the return of the liquid from the liquid supply flow path to the liquid storage portion through the communication port during liquid supply. In addition, since the bag is installed on the liquid supply port member in such a manner that a gap is formed between the bag and the peripheral portion of the communication port by the flow of the liquid from the liquid supply flow path to the liquid filling flow path and the gap is in liquid communication with the liquid storage portion through the communication port, it is possible to easily refill the liquid into the liquid storage portion by flowing the liquid from the liquid supply flow path into the liquid filling flow path. In addition, since it is not necessary to process the bag or the like at the stage before refilling, the refilling operation becomes easy and the generation of waste can also be suppressed. In addition, since it is not necessary to cut off a part of the bag or make an opening, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the liquid filling amount. Further, since it is not necessary to process the bag or the like, it is possible to suppress foreign matter from entering the bag, so that the liquid can be supplied to the printer while maintaining the quality of the liquid in a good state. In addition, compared with the structure in which the liquid filling flow path is closed after the first liquid request to the printer is completed, the closing process can be omitted and refilling can be performed. Further, compared with the structure in which the liquid filling port and the liquid supply port are separately provided in advance and the filling port is blocked, sealed with a film or sealed with a lid after liquid filling, the sealing member and the process of sealing the filling port with the sealing member can be omitted. In addition, there is no need to open the port again when performing refilling. In addition, since a bag having a liquid evaporation-proof function is used as the bag 21, compared with a liquid storage container having a structure in which the opening of the liquid is opened and closed by opening and closing a lid, the evaporation of the liquid component can be suppressed.

[0108] B. Second Embodiment:

[0109] Figure 24 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid storage container 20a of the second embodiment. In Figure 24 FIG., similarly to Figure 12 FIG., a cross-section along the same position as the XII-XII section line in Figure 6 FIG. is shown. The liquid storage container 20a of the second embodiment is different from the liquid storage container 20 of the first embodiment in that it includes a converter 60a instead of the converter 60. Since the other structures of the converter 60a in the second embodiment are the same as those of the converter 60 in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same structural elements and their detailed description is omitted.

[0110] The converter 60a is different from the converter 60 of the first embodiment in that it has a second support portion 62a instead of the second support portion 62, and the other structural elements are the same. The second support portion 62a is different from the second support portion 62 of the first embodiment in that it has a rib 625a instead of the rib 625, and the other structural elements are the same. As Figure 24 shown, the length of the rib 625a in the Z direction is greater than that of the rib 625 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the +Z direction end portion of the rib 625a abuts against the end portion 22 of the bag 21, and supports the liquid supply port member 80 via the end portion 22 of the bag 21. Thus, the second support portion 62a supports the liquid supply port member 80 in such a manner that the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 abuts against the bag 21 from the side opposite to the first support portion 61.

[0111] The liquid storage container 20a of the second embodiment described above has the same effects as the liquid storage container 20 of the first embodiment. In addition, since the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 abuts against the bag 21 via the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62a and the bag 21, it is easier to make the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 and the bag 21 closely adhere. Therefore, the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion 21c toward the liquid filling flow path P2 can be suppressed, and the liquid supply can be performed well. Further, even when the first and second support portions 61 and 62a are not in the vertical direction, or even when the liquid storage container 20a is detached from the printer 11, the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 and the bag 21 can be kept in close contact, and the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion 21c toward the liquid filling flow path P2 can be suppressed. Therefore, even when the liquid storage container 20a is detached from the printer 11, it is difficult for the liquid to leak from the liquid supply port 810. In addition, compared with the structure in which only the first support portion 61 supports the liquid supply port member 80, even when the remaining amount of the liquid in the liquid storage portion 21c is small, it is difficult to impair the close contact state between the peripheral portion 828 of the communication port 85 and the bag 21. Further, by checking the support states of the first and second support portions 61 and 62a, it is possible to easily determine whether refilling is possible.

[0112] C. Other embodiments:

[0113] (C1)In each embodiment, the converters 60 and 60a may also be omitted. In this structure, the bag 21 with the liquid supply port member 80 welded to the end portion 22 may be housed in a resin case, and a terminal arrangement portion 614, an insertion portion 621, an identification portion arrangement portion 612, an identification portion 613, a first housing portion 623, a second housing portion 624, an engaging groove 622, etc. may be formed in the case. The above-mentioned case may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a cavity formed inside, or may have a tray-like shape with an open upper side (-Z direction). As described above, the manner in which the liquid storage container 20 is housed in the case is also referred to as, for example, a "cartridge".

[0114] (C2) The structures of the liquid storage containers 20 and 20a of each embodiment can also be applied to liquid storage containers installed in any printer that ejects liquids other than ink. For example, it can be applied to liquid storage containers of various printers (liquid ejection devices) as follows.

[0115] (a) Image recording devices such as facsimile machines;

[0116] (b) Color material ejection printers for ejecting color materials used in the manufacture of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays;

[0117] (c) Electrode material ejection printers for ejecting electrode materials used in the formation of electrodes in organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FED), etc.;

[0118] (d) Printers that eject liquids including biological organic substances used in the manufacture of biochips;

[0119] (e) Specimen printers as precision pipettes;

[0120] (f) Printers for ejecting lubricating oil;

[0121] (g) Printers for ejecting resin liquid;

[0122] (h) Printers that eject lubricating oil into precision machinery such as watches and cameras using needles;

[0123] (i) Printers that eject transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet curable resin liquids onto a substrate to form micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements, etc.;

[0124] (j) Printers that eject acidic or alkaline etching liquids for etching substrates, etc.;

[0125] (k) A printer having a liquid consumption head that ejects any other minute amount of liquid droplets.

[0126] In addition, "liquid droplets" refer to the state of the liquid ejected from the printer, and are assumed to include states such as granular, teardrop-shaped, and linear trailing. Further, the "liquid" herein only needs to be a material that can be consumed by the printer. For example, the "liquid" only needs to be a material in a state where the substance is in a liquid phase, and materials in a liquid state with higher or lower viscosity, as well as liquid state materials such as sols, gels, water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals (molten metals) are also included in the "liquid". In addition, not only liquids as a state of matter are included in the "liquid", but also substances in which particles of functional materials composed of solid substances such as pigments and metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent are also included in the "liquid". In addition, as a representative example of the liquid, ink or liquid crystal as described in the above embodiments can be cited. Here, the ink includes various liquid compositions such as general water-based ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink.

[0127] (C3) The structures of the liquid storage containers 20 and 20a in each embodiment are only examples and can be changed in various ways. For example, the partition member 70 may not be fixed to the liquid supply port member 80. For example, the partition member 70 may be fixed to the inner surface of the bag 21. In addition, at least a part of the first flow path forming member 841, the second flow path forming member 842, and the elastomer 843 may be omitted in each embodiment. In addition, the check valve 87 may be omitted in each embodiment.

[0128] D. Other modes:

[0129] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its gist. For example, the present disclosure can also be implemented in the following ways. To solve part or all of the problems of the present disclosure, or to achieve part or all of the effects of the present disclosure, the technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the following modes can be appropriately replaced and combined. In addition, if the technical feature is not described as an essential technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0130] (1) A liquid storage container is provided according to one aspect of the present disclosure, which is a liquid storage container capable of refilling the liquid supplied to a printer. The liquid storage container includes: a bag that defines a liquid storage portion; a liquid supply port member that is attached to an end of the bag and has a liquid supply port; a liquid supply flow path that is provided in the liquid supply port member and allows liquid to flow between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply port; a liquid filling flow path that is provided in the liquid supply port member and is branched from the liquid supply flow path; a communication port that is provided in the liquid supply port member, is in fluid communication with the liquid filling flow path, and faces the inner surface of the bag. The bag is configured to be able to abut against the peripheral portion of the communication port, and is attached to the liquid supply port member in such a manner that a gap is formed between the bag and the peripheral portion through the flow of liquid from the liquid supply flow path to the liquid filling flow path, and the gap is in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion via the communication port.

[0131] In the liquid storage container according to this aspect, since the bag can abut against the peripheral portion of the communication port that is interposed therebetween when in fluid communication with the liquid filling flow path and in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion, it is possible to suppress the return of liquid from the liquid supply flow path to the liquid storage portion via the communication port during liquid supply. Further, since the bag is attached to the liquid supply port member in such a manner that a gap is formed between the bag and the peripheral portion of the communication port through the flow of liquid from the liquid supply flow path to the liquid filling flow path and the gap is in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion via the communication port, it is possible to easily refill the liquid into the liquid storage portion by causing the liquid to flow from the liquid supply flow path into the liquid filling flow path. Further, at the stage before refilling, it is not necessary to process the bag or the like, so that the refilling operation becomes easy and the generation of waste can be suppressed. Further, since it is not necessary to cut off a part of the bag or make an opening, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the liquid filling amount. In addition, since it is not necessary to process the bag or the like, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign matter into the bag, so that the liquid can be supplied to the printer while maintaining the quality of the liquid in a good state. Further, compared with a structure in which the liquid filling flow path is closed after the first liquid request to the printer is completed, the closing process can be omitted and refilling can be performed. In addition, compared with a structure in which the liquid filling port and the liquid supply port are separately provided in advance and the filling port is blocked, sealed with a film, or sealed with a lid after liquid filling, the sealing member and the process of sealing the filling port with the sealing member can be omitted. Further, it is not necessary to open the port again when performing refilling. In addition, since a bag having an evaporation resistance function for the liquid is used as the bag, compared with a liquid storage container having a structure in which the opening of the liquid is opened and closed by opening and closing a lid, the evaporation of the liquid component can be suppressed.

[0132] (2) In the liquid storage container of the above-described manner, it may also be configured to further include: a first support portion that supports the liquid supply port member via the end portion of the bag, the communication port is configured to face downward in a state where the liquid storage container is mounted on the printer, the first support portion supports the liquid supply port member from below the communication port in the mounted state, and causes the bag to abut against the peripheral portion.

[0133] According to the liquid storage container of this manner, since the communication port is configured to face downward in the mounted state, and the first support portion supports the liquid supply port member from below the communication port in the mounted state and causes the bag to abut against the peripheral portion of the communication port, it is possible to make the peripheral portion of the communication port and the bag supported from below by the first support portion closely adhere by the self-weight of the liquid storage container in the mounted state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion to the liquid filling flow path, and thus the liquid supply from the liquid supply flow path can be performed well. In particular, since it is difficult for the portion of the bag opposed to the communication port to generate wrinkles due to the self-weight of the liquid storage container, the close contact state between the peripheral portion of the communication port and the bag can be made good, and thus the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion to the liquid filling flow path can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the case where the liquid with a higher concentration staying below the liquid storage portion is supplied via the liquid filling flow path.

[0134] (3) In the liquid storage container of the above-described manner, it may also be configured to further include: a first support portion and a second support portion that support the liquid supply port member via the end portion of the bag, the first support portion is opposed to the communication port across the bag and supports the liquid supply port member in such a manner that the bag abuts against the peripheral portion, and the second support portion supports the liquid supply port member in such a manner that the peripheral portion of the communication port abuts against the bag from the side opposite to the first support portion with respect to the communication port.

[0135] In the liquid storage container according to this method, since the peripheral portion of the communication port is brought into contact with the bag via the first support portion and the second support portion, it is easier to make the peripheral portion of the communication port and the bag adhere closely. Therefore, the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion toward the liquid filling flow path can be suppressed, and the liquid supply can be performed well. In addition, even when the first and second support portions are not in the vertical direction, or even when the liquid storage container is removed from the printer, the peripheral portion of the communication port and the bag can be kept in close contact, and the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion toward the liquid filling flow path can be suppressed. Therefore, even when the liquid storage container is removed from the printer, it is difficult for the liquid to leak from the liquid supply port. In addition, compared with the case where only the first support portion supports the liquid supply port member, even when the amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion is small, it is difficult to impair the close contact state between the peripheral portion of the communication port and the bag. In addition, by checking the support state of the first and second support portions, it is possible to easily determine whether refilling is possible.

[0136] (4) In the liquid storage container according to the above method, it may also be provided with: a check valve disposed between the branch position of the liquid supply flow path and the liquid filling flow path and the liquid storage portion, the check valve allowing the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion toward the liquid supply port and restricting the flow of the liquid from the liquid supply port toward the liquid storage portion.

[0137] In the liquid storage container according to this method, since it is provided with a check valve that allows the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion toward the liquid supply port and restricts the flow of the liquid from the liquid supply port toward the liquid storage portion, even when the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion is reduced and the negative pressure increases due to liquid supply, the situation where air is sucked into the liquid storage portion from the liquid supply port can be suppressed. Therefore, the situation where bubbles are supplied to the printer can be suppressed, and the deterioration of the printing quality can be suppressed.

[0138] Symbol description

[0139] 11…Printer; 12…Outer shell; 13…Housing; 14…Container storage part; 15…Front cover; 16…Cartridge; 17…Installation port; 18…Discharge tray; 19…Operation panel; 20…Liquid storage container; 20a…Liquid storage container; 21…Bag; 21c…Liquid storage part; 22…End part; 23…Protrusion; 24…Frame; 25…Insertion port; 29…Connection mechanism; 29F…First connection mechanism; 29S…Second connection mechanism; 30…Supply flow path; 31…Supply mechanism; 32…Liquid introduction part; 33…Supply pipe; 34…Transformer mechanism; 35…Drive source; 36…Transformer flow path; 38…Device-side fixing structure; 39…Latching part; 40…Device-side electrical connection part; 40a…Guide projection; 41…Electric wire; 42…Control device; 44…Blocking member; 45…Positioning part; 46…Positioning part; 47…Extrusion mechanism; 47a…Frame member; 47b…Pressing part; 47c…Biasing part; 48…Liquid receiving part; 50…Container-side electrical connection part; 51…Handle part; 60…Converter; 60a…Converter; 61…First support part; 62…Second support part; 62a…Second support part; 70…Partition member; 72…Linking member; 73a…First liquid discharge pipe; 73b…Second liquid discharge pipe; 80…Liquid supply port part; 81…Tip part; 82…Central part; 83…Base end part; 83a…First communication hole; 83b…Second communication hole; 85…Communication port; 87…Check valve; 89…Axial hole; 91…Liquid ejection part; 92…Carriage; 612…Identification part arrangement part; 613…Identification part; 614…Terminal arrangement part; 619…Placement part; 621…Insertion part; 622…Engagement groove; 623…First receiving part; 624…Second receiving part; 625…Rib; 625a…Rib; 711…Inclined surface; 712…First flow path; 713…First inlet; 716…Second inlet; 718…Rear surface member; 719…Second flow path; 810…Liquid supply port; 811…Plate-like part; 812…Supply port forming part; 813…Positioning claw; 820…Welded part; 821…Upper surface flow path forming part; 822…Filling port; 823…Upper surface flow path; 824…Check valve storage part; 825…Second storage part; 826…Communication channel; 827…Communication port forming part; 828…Peripheral part; 829…End opening; 830…Recess; 831…Peripheral part; 832…Peripheral part; 833…First storage part; 841…First flow path forming member; 842…Second flow path forming member; 843…Elastomer; 851…First internal flow path; 852…Second internal flow path; 871…Valve body; 872…Valve seat; 873…Through hole; 874…Valve seat support part; C1…First cut part; CX…Central axis; P1…Liquid supply flow path; P2…Liquid filling flow path; XP…Branch position.

Claims

1. A liquid storage container that can refill the liquid to be supplied to a printer. The liquid storage container includes: A bag that defines a liquid storage portion; A liquid supply port member that is attached to an end of the bag and has a liquid supply port; A liquid supply flow path that is provided on the liquid supply port member and allows liquid to flow between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply port; A liquid filling flow path that is provided on the liquid supply port member and branches off from the liquid supply flow path; A communication port that is provided on the liquid supply port member, is in fluid communication with the liquid filling flow path, and faces the inner surface of the bag; A first support portion that supports the liquid supply port member via the end of the bag; The bag is configured to be able to abut against the peripheral portion of the communication port, and is attached to the liquid supply port member in such a way that a gap is formed between the bag and the peripheral portion by the flow of the liquid from the liquid supply flow path to the liquid filling flow path, and the gap is in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion via the communication port; The communication port is configured to face downward in a state where the liquid storage container is attached to the printer; The first support portion supports the liquid supply port member from below the communication port in the attached state and causes the bag to abut against the peripheral portion.

2. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein, it further includes a second support portion that supports the liquid supply port member via the end of the bag; The first support portion faces the communication port with the bag interposed therebetween and supports the liquid supply port member in such a way that the bag abuts against the peripheral portion of the communication port; The second support portion supports the liquid supply port member in such a way that the peripheral portion abuts against the bag from a side opposite to the first support portion with respect to the communication port.

3. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein, it further includes a check valve that is disposed between a branch position, which is the branch position of the liquid supply flow path and the liquid filling flow path, and the liquid storage portion; The check valve allows the flow of the liquid from the liquid storage portion toward the liquid supply port and restricts the flow of the liquid from the liquid supply port toward the liquid storage portion.

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