Liquid storage bottle

Abstract

A liquid storage bottle comprises a bottle main body for storing liquid; a nozzle from which the liquid stored in the bottle body is discharged; and a cap sealing the nozzle, in a first curved portion between the bottom surface and the side surface of the bottle body in a cross-section of the bottle body in the vertical direction, a radius of curvature of the inner wall is larger than a radius of curvature of the outer wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid storage bottle used in a liquid ejecting device. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a liquid storage bottle including a storage portion for storing liquid and an outlet for pouring out the liquid is used as a liquid storage bottle for refilling the liquid to the liquid ejecting device. Preferably, such a liquid storage bottle is reused in order to realize a sustainable society (e.g., a decarbonized society / circular society) and respond to current environmental regulations. The liquid storage bottle includes, for example, a bottle described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-166947 (referred to as Document 1).

[0003] However, in the case of repeatedly using the liquid storage bottle in Document 1, it is difficult to clean the inside of the bottle when cleaning because the curvature radius of the curved portion of the bottom peripheral portion is small, and stains may remain. In addition, if the curvature radius of the curved portion of the bottom peripheral portion increases, it is difficult for the liquid storage bottle to stand upright stably, and there is a possibility that the liquid storage bottle is easily overturned. Summary of the invention

[0004] A liquid storage bottle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a bottle body for storing liquid; a nozzle from which the liquid stored in the bottle body is sprayed; and a cap for sealing the nozzle, wherein, in a first curved portion between a bottom surface and a side surface of the bottle body in a cross section of the bottle body along a vertical direction, a curvature radius of an inner wall is greater than a curvature radius of an outer wall.

[0005] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection apparatus;

[0007] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a main portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus;

[0008] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid tank of a liquid jetting device;

[0009] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid storage bottle;

[0010] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid storage bottle according to a first embodiment;

[0011] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid storage bottle according to a second embodiment;

[0012] Fig. 7Aand Figure 7B is a diagram showing a detailed example of each part of the liquid storage bottle;

[0013] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C is a diagram describing a sealing portion;

[0014] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a diagram describing a slit valve type nozzle;

[0015] Fig.10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nozzle and cap;

[0016] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11D is a diagram showing the relationship between the slit valve and the protrusion; and

[0017] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is a diagram depicting a nozzle having a dual-hole configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same configurations are described with the same reference numerals. In addition, the relative arrangements, shapes, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are all examples.

[0019] <First Embodiment>

[0020] (Liquid Injection Equipment)

[0021] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection device 1 using a liquid storage container in this embodiment. The liquid ejection device 1 is a serial inkjet printing device and includes a housing 11 and a liquid tank 12 arranged in the housing 11. The liquid tank 12 stores ink as a liquid to be ejected onto a printing medium (not shown).

[0022] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the internal configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 shown in FIG. The liquid ejection device 1 includes: a conveying roller 13 that conveys a printing medium (not shown), a liquid ejection head 14 that ejects liquid, a carriage 15 on which the liquid ejection head 14 is mounted, and a carriage motor 16 that drives the carriage 15. The liquid ejection device 1 includes a liquid channel 17 arranged between a liquid tank 12 and the liquid ejection head 14. The type of the printing medium is not particularly limited as long as an image is formed thereon by the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 14. The type of the printing medium may be, for example, paper, cloth, a disc label surface, a plastic sheet, an OHP sheet, etc.

[0023] The liquid is stored in the liquid tank 12, supplied to the liquid ejection head 14 via the liquid channel 17, and ejected from the liquid ejection head 14. As the liquid of the present embodiment, for example, four colors of ink (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) are used. In addition, the liquid tank 12 is provided with four liquid tanks 12a to 12d that store inks of corresponding colors, respectively. Hereinafter, when identifying and referring to each liquid tank, letters are provided at the end of the liquid tanks 12a to 12d, and when referring to any liquid tank, it is referred to as the liquid tank 12. Each of the four liquid tanks 12a to 12d is arranged in the front surface portion of the liquid ejection device 1 within the housing 11.

[0024] (Liquid tank)

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid tank 12 of a liquid ejecting apparatus 1. The liquid tank 12 of the present embodiment includes a liquid tank body 121 storing liquid, an inlet 122 communicating with a liquid storage chamber in the liquid tank body 121, and a tank cover 123 which can be mounted on the liquid tank body 121 to cover the inlet 122. After the liquid tank 12 is refilled with liquid, in order to suppress evaporation of the liquid from the liquid storage chamber in the liquid tank body 121, the tank cover 123 is attached to the liquid tank body 121 to seal the liquid storage chamber in the liquid tank body 121.

[0026] (liquid storage bottle)

[0027] In the present embodiment, a liquid storage bottle for refilling ink for the above-mentioned liquid ejecting apparatus is an application of the liquid storage bottle of the present disclosure. Figure 4 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid storage bottle according to the present embodiment. The liquid storage bottle 100 includes a bottle body 101 storing liquid, a nozzle 102 spraying the liquid stored in the bottle body 101 , and a cap 103 sealing the nozzle 102 .

[0028] Generally, resin or metal that is harmless to the liquid to be stored is used as the material of the liquid storage bottle 100. Specifically, ordinary resin materials, fluororesins, etc. can be used as the material of the liquid storage bottle. As ordinary resin materials, virgin materials and recycled plastic materials can be used by blow molding. For example, any one of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) can be used. However, it is not limited to this, and another resin material can also be used, or a variety of materials can be used. That is, as a recycled plastic material, one of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) can be used, and a mixture of multiple types can also be used. The use of fluororesins can provide better chemical resistance and weather resistance and higher strength than ordinary resins. Note that fluororesins can also be applied to ordinary resins. This makes it possible to obtain an effect similar to that of using fluororesins.

[0029] If mechanical strength needs to be increased, a metal material may be used as the material of the liquid storage bottle. In addition, as the material of the liquid storage bottle, a material that is insoluble in the liquid stored in the bottle and has impact resistance and temperature resistance during distribution may be used as the material of the bottle body 101. In addition, in the present embodiment, a recycled plastic material may be used, and a material including a post-consumer material (PCR material) and a pre-consumer material may be used. Here, as the use ratio of the recycled plastic material, 5wt% or more of the total amount is used.

[0030] Post-consumer material (PCR material) is a material obtained by collecting and reusing plastic products after they are distributed to the market. For example, PCR material is a plastic prepared from cleaned and pulverized waste materials. PCR material can be a thermoplastic prepared from industrial waste plastics by a person other than the first processor. Pre-consumer material is a material obtained by collecting and reusing waste plastics generated in the production process before being distributed to the market. For example, pre-consumer material is a thermoplastic prepared from molded products that are cut or rejected after being pre-processed by molding or extrusion in the processor's factory, and then reprocessed by the same factory. In this embodiment, the recycled plastic material can be a PCR material or a pre-consumer material. In addition, the recycled plastic material can be a mixed material of these materials.

[0031] In the case where the liquid storage bottle 100 is reused after the liquid storage bottle 100 completes the liquid spraying, the inside of the liquid storage bottle 100 is cleaned. In the case of cleaning the liquid storage bottle 100, it is desirable to clean it as conveniently as possible. This is because if cleaning is laborious, the cleaning cost will increase, and the cost of reuse will increase accordingly. In addition, the higher the center of gravity of the liquid storage bottle 100, the easier it is for the liquid storage bottle 100 to tip over. A shape that improves the cleaning efficiency of the liquid storage bottle 100 while suppressing tipping is described.

[0032] Figure 5A 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid storage bottle 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid storage bottle 100 includes a bottle body 101, a nozzle 102 that allows the liquid in the bottle body 101 to flow out, and a cap 103 that is positioned at the top of the bottle body 101 and seals the nozzle 102. In the present embodiment, the bottom surface shape of the bottle body 101 is formed in a circular shape. Although it is assumed that the shape of the bottom surface of the bottle body 101 is formed in a circular shape, it is not limited thereto, and the bottom surface of the bottle body 101 may be formed in a polygonal shape. After storing the liquid, the liquid storage bottle 100 is closed and sealed with the cap 103 to prevent the liquid from overflowing. A hole is opened at the end of the nozzle 102, and the hole is sealed by the cap 103.

[0033] In this embodiment, the liquid storage bottle 100 includes a first curved portion between the bottom surface and the side surface. Figure 5A In the cross section of the liquid storage bottle 100 along the vertical direction, the first curved portion of the liquid storage bottle 100 has different radii of curvature between the inner wall and the outer wall. In the present embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the inner wall of the first curved portion is greater than the radius of curvature R2 of the outer wall. For example, in one embodiment, the radius of curvature R1 of the inner wall of the liquid storage bottle 100 is 50 mm, and the radius of curvature R2 of the outer wall is 20 mm. The radius of curvature R1 of the inner wall of the liquid storage bottle 100 may be in the range of greater than 1.0 mm and less than 50 mm. In addition, in the relationship that the radius of curvature R1 of the inner wall of the first curved portion is greater than the radius of curvature R2 of the outer wall, the radius of curvature R2 of the outer wall of the liquid storage bottle 100 may be in the range of greater than 0.5 mm and less than 50 mm. In the relationship that the curvature radius R1 of the inner wall of the first curved portion is greater than the curvature radius R2 of the outer wall, the curvature radius R1 of the inner wall and the curvature radius R2 of the outer wall of the liquid storage bottle 100 are preferably within a range of 2.0 mm or more and 25 mm or less. In addition, in the relationship that the curvature radius R1 of the inner wall of the first curved portion is greater than the curvature radius R2 of the outer wall, the curvature radius R1 of the inner wall and the curvature radius R2 of the outer wall of the liquid storage bottle 100 are preferably within a range of 3.0 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

[0034] Therefore, in the first curved portion between the bottom surface and the side surface of the liquid storage bottle, if the curvature radius R1 of the inner wall is small, the circulation of the cleaning liquid inside the liquid storage bottle 100 during cleaning is low. However, since the curvature radius R1 of the first curved portion between the bottom surface and the side surface of the liquid storage bottle is large, the circulation of the cleaning liquid inside the liquid storage bottle 100 can be improved. Therefore, the washability of the liquid storage bottle can be improved.

[0035] On the other hand, if the radius of curvature R1 of the inner wall in the first curved portion between the bottom surface and the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 is formed too large, the bottle body 101 may tip over. In addition, the smaller the bottom area of ​​the liquid storage bottle 100, the easier it is for the liquid storage bottle 100 to tip over. In order to solve this problem, in the first curved portion between the bottom surface and the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100, the radius of curvature R2 of the outer wall is formed to be smaller to improve the upright stability of the bottle body 101. In the case of the present embodiment, the radius of curvature R2 of the outer wall is 20 mm. Therefore, in the first curved portion of the liquid storage bottle 100, the radius of curvature of the inner wall is formed to be larger than the radius of curvature of the outer wall, so that both the washability of the inside of the liquid storage bottle 100 and its upright stability can be achieved. In addition, the thickness of the first curved portion can be increased by reducing the radius of curvature R2 of the outer wall of the first curved portion. Since the thickness of the first curved portion is large, the strength of the liquid storage bottle 100 can be improved.

[0036] also, Figure 5B 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the case where a second curved portion is provided between the top surface and the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, an opening portion is provided in the top surface of the liquid storage bottle 100, and a nozzle 102 is provided so that the nozzle 102 and the inside of the liquid storage bottle 100 are communicated with each other via the opening portion. Figure 5BIn the cross section of the liquid storage bottle 100 along the vertical direction, the second curved portion between the top surface and the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 has different radii of curvature between the inner wall and the outer wall. In the present embodiment, the radius of curvature R3 of the inner wall of the second curved portion is greater than the radius of curvature R4 of the outer wall. The radius of curvature R3 of the inner wall of the second curved portion of the liquid storage bottle 100 in the present embodiment is 50 mm, while the radius of curvature R4 of the outer wall is 20 mm. The radius of curvature R3 of the inner wall of the second curved portion of the liquid storage bottle 100 may be in the range of 1.0 mm or more and 50 mm or less. In addition, in the relationship that the radius of curvature R3 of the inner wall of the second curved portion is greater than the radius of curvature R4 of the outer wall, the radius of curvature R4 of the outer wall of the liquid storage bottle 100 may be in the range of 0.5 mm or more and 50 mm or less. In the relationship that the curvature radius R3 of the inner wall of the second curved portion is greater than the curvature radius R4 of the outer wall, the curvature radius R3 of the inner wall and the curvature radius R4 of the outer wall of the second curved portion of the liquid storage bottle 100 are preferably within a range of 2.0 mm or more and 25 mm or less. In addition, in the relationship that the curvature radius R3 of the inner wall of the second curved portion is greater than the curvature radius R4 of the outer wall, the curvature radius R3 of the inner wall and the curvature radius R4 of the outer wall of the second curved portion of the liquid storage bottle 100 are preferably within a range of 3.0 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

[0037] Therefore, since the radius of curvature R3 of the inner wall of the second curved portion of the liquid storage bottle 100 is large, the circulation of the cleaning liquid inside the liquid storage bottle 100 can be improved, and the washability of the liquid storage bottle 100 can be further improved. In other words, it can contribute to the reuse of the liquid storage bottle 100, and it can also respond to environmental regulations. That is, the technology described in this specification has the potential to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society (e.g., a decarbonized society / circular society). In addition, the radius of curvature R3 of the inner wall of the second curved portion of the liquid storage bottle 100 is greater than the radius of curvature R4 of the outer wall. The second curved portion of the liquid storage bottle does not affect the upright stability of the liquid storage bottle 100; however, the thickness of the second curved portion can be increased by reducing the radius of curvature R4 of the outer wall. Since the thickness of the second curved portion is large, the strength of the liquid storage bottle 100 can be improved. In addition, the impact resistance of the liquid storage bottle during distribution can be improved.

[0038] <Second Embodiment>

[0039] A second embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Descriptions of the basic configuration of the present disclosure and functions and configurations similar to those of the first embodiment are omitted, and different points are described.

[0040] In this embodiment, in the bottom surface of the liquid storage bottle, as in the first embodiment, the curvature radius between the outer wall and the inner wall of the first curved portion is different, and both the washability and upright stability of the liquid storage bottle are achieved.

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid storage bottle according to a second embodiment. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the thickness of the bottom surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 and the thickness of the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the bottom surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 is thicker than the thickness of the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100. In the present embodiment, the thickness T1 of the bottom surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 is greater than the thickness T2 of the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100. The thickness T1 of the bottom surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 of the present embodiment may be in the range of 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. The thickness T1 of the bottom surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 is preferably in the range of 0.3 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less.

[0042] On the other hand, for the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 of the present embodiment, since the side surface is squeezed by hand to eject the liquid inside, the side surface needs to have flexibility that is easy to squeeze. Therefore, the thickness of the side surface is correspondingly thin. In the relationship that the thickness of the bottom surface is greater than the thickness of the side surface, the thickness T2 of the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 can be in the range of more than 0.1 mm and less than 5.0 mm. In the relationship that the thickness of the bottom surface is greater than the thickness of the side surface, the thickness T2 of the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 is preferably in the range of more than 0.2 mm and less than 3.0 mm. In addition, in the relationship that the thickness of the bottom surface is greater than the thickness of the side surface, the thickness T1 of the bottom surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 and the thickness T2 of the side surface are preferably in the range of more than 1.0 mm and less than 2.0 mm.

[0043] Therefore, the standing stability of the liquid storage bottle 100 can be improved by forming the bottom surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 thicker. In addition, squeezing can be facilitated by forming the side surface of the liquid storage bottle 100 thinner. In addition, in the liquid storage bottle 100, while improving the strength of the liquid storage bottle itself, its impact resistance during distribution can be improved.

[0044] <Other embodiments>

[0045] (Configuration of liquid supply unit (nozzle))

[0046] In the first and second embodiments, the curvature radius and thickness of the first and second curved portions of the bottle body 101 are mainly described. Next, a configuration example of the nozzle 22 as the liquid supply unit in the liquid storage bottle 100 is described.

[0047] (Valve spring configuration)

[0048] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B 2 is a diagram showing another detailed example of components of the liquid storage bottle 100 . Fig. 7A It is shown Figure 4FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a component configuration diagram of a liquid storage bottle 100 . Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A The cross-sectional view of the coupled state of the component configuration diagram of the liquid storage bottle 100 is shown. Inside the nozzle 22, a seal 24 having an opening, a valve 25 that opens and closes the opening of the seal 24, a spring 26 that biases the valve 25, and a retainer 27 that fixes the spring 26 are included.

[0049] In the case of supplying liquid from the liquid storage bottle 100 to the liquid tank 12, the inlet 122 of the liquid tank 12 is inserted into the opening of the nozzle 22 of the liquid storage bottle 100. A recessed portion engaged with the protrusion provided in the liquid ejecting device 1 is provided in the nozzle 22 of the liquid storage bottle 100, and the liquid storage bottle 100 is positioned while the inlet 122 is inserted into the opening of the nozzle 22. Then, due to the water head difference, the liquid in the liquid storage bottle 100 is supplied to the storage chamber of the liquid tank body 121 via the inlet 122.

[0050] The liquid storage bottle 100 includes two sealable parts (hereinafter referred to as sealing parts). FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C is a diagram describing a sealing portion. In the first sealing portion, as Fig. 8A As shown, the sealing is implemented by assembling the cap 23 and the nozzle 22 to each other. In the second sealing part, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B As shown, sealing is accomplished by a valve structure in the nozzle 22. Each sealing portion is described below.

[0051] refer to Fig. 8A The first seal is described. Fig. 8A 2 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the liquid storage bottle 100 in a state where the cap 23 is mounted on the nozzle 22, and an enlarged view thereof is also shown. The first sealing portion is a portion in which the cap sealing portion 23b of the cap 23 and the nozzle sealing portion 22d which is a part of the outlet 22a of the nozzle 22 are assembled to each other by mounting the cap 23 on the nozzle 22. Examples of methods of mounting the cap 23 on the nozzle 22 include a method of screwing the nozzle 22 and the cap 23 together. Specifically, as Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Fig. 8A As shown, there is a method of threading using a nozzle thread portion 22b in which a male thread structure is formed on the outside of the nozzle 22 and a cap thread portion 23a in which a female thread structure is formed on the inside of the lower portion of the cap 23. Note that, conversely, a cap 23 formed with a male thread portion and a nozzle 22 formed with a female thread portion may be used.

[0052] In addition, as a method of mounting the cap 23 on the nozzle 22, a portion for assembly that does not require screwing may be provided in addition to the sealing portion. For example, a configuration of an outer assembly cap that allows the cap 23 to be assembled to the outside of the nozzle 22 or a configuration of an inner assembly cap that allows the cap 23 to be assembled to the inside of the nozzle 22 may be adopted.

[0053] refer to Figure 8B The second seal is described. Figure 8B 2 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the liquid storage bottle 100 in a state where the cap 23 is not installed, and an enlarged view thereof is also shown. The second sealing portion is a part of a liquid stop valve structure (valve structure) arranged inside the nozzle 22 of the liquid storage bottle 100. Figure 8B As shown, in the nozzle 22, the seal 24 is an orifice portion including an opening at its tip (upper end) into which the inlet 122 is inserted. In addition, by biasing the valve 25 of the valve body as a liquid stop valve toward the opening using a spring 26, the gap between the seal 24 and the valve 25 is closed, and the liquid storage bottle 100 is sealed. In this example, the spring 26 is used as a biasing mechanism, and the spring 26 is held by a holder 27 fixed in the internal space of the nozzle 22. The seal 24 is formed of a flexible member such as rubber or an elastomer.

[0054] With this liquid stop valve structure, the valve 25 is biased toward the opening of the seal 24 by the spring 26, so that the sealed state inside the liquid storage bottle 100 can be maintained even in a state where the cap 23 is removed from the nozzle 22. In the case where liquid is supplied from the liquid storage bottle 100 to the liquid tank 12, the valve 25 is opened by inserting the inlet 122 into the nozzle 22 through the opening of the seal 24. Then, as described above, the liquid in the liquid storage bottle 100 is supplied to the storage chamber of the liquid tank body 121 through the inlet 122 due to the water head difference.

[0055] In this example, a configuration is adopted that allows the seals in both parts to be temporarily opened simultaneously when the cap 23 is opened from the nozzle 22 and when the nozzle is closed with the cap 23. Thus, the interior of the liquid storage bottle 100 can be communicated with the atmosphere and the pressure inside the liquid storage bottle 100 can be made equal to the atmospheric pressure. A detailed description is given below.

[0056] First, if Fig. 8A As shown, in the closed state of the cap 23, the first sealing portion is sealed. On the other hand, in the second sealing portion, the protrusion 23f arranged on the cap 23 is pushed in the direction opposite to the biasing direction of the valve 25 while the cap 23 is closed; therefore, a gap is formed between the seal 24 and the valve 25. Fig. 8A That is, in the closed state of the cap 23, the first sealing portion is sealed, and the second sealing portion is opened.

[0057] Figure 8C is in Fig. 8A The cap 23 is mounted on the nozzle 22, and the cap 23 is installed on the nozzle 22. The cap 23 is moved upward, and the cap 23 is moved upward. Fig. 8A The closed state shown is Figure 8C As the cap 23 moves, the cap seal 23b and the nozzle seal 22d are separated from each other, and the first seal is opened. When the first seal is opened, the protrusion 23f arranged on the cap 23 is still in the position of pushing the valve 25, as shown in FIG. Figure 8C That is, the second sealing portion remains open. Figure 8C As shown, the second sealing portion can be opened while the first sealing portion is opened. Thereafter, once the cap 23 moves further upward, the protrusion 23f moves completely away from the valve 25 with the movement of the cap 23, and the second sealing portion is sealed, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B As shown. Note that, also in the case of closing the cap 23 from the open state, as the cap 23 moves, the valve 25 is also pushed by the protrusion 23f of the cap 23, and the second sealing portion is opened. In this process, the first sealing portion is in a state before sealing, and therefore remains in an open state. Thereafter, by putting the cap 23 in a closed state, the first sealing portion is transformed into a sealed state. Note that the simultaneous opening of the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion refers to opening them substantially at the same time. In the case of opening the second sealing portion in conjunction with the opening of the first sealing portion, the two sealing portions are opened at the same time.

[0058] With the above configuration, when the cap 23 is opened, since the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are temporarily opened at the same time, the interior of the liquid storage bottle 100 is communicated with the atmosphere, and the pressure inside the liquid storage bottle 100 can be made equal to the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, when the liquid is refilled from the liquid storage bottle 100 to the liquid tank body 121 by opening the cap 23, the liquid can be suppressed from being ejected due to the increase in the internal pressure of the liquid storage bottle 100. In addition, the liquid can be suppressed from overflowing from the liquid tank body 121. In addition, since the second sealing portion also maintains the sealed state of the interior of the liquid storage bottle 100 when the cap 23 is opened, liquid leakage can be suppressed even if the liquid storage bottle 100 is turned upside down.

[0059] (Slit valve configuration)

[0060] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B 2 is a diagram illustrating a slit valve type nozzle 22 . Fig.9A is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of this example, Fig. 9B It is a plan view of a slit valve provided in the nozzle of this example. Fig.10is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nozzle 22 and the cap of this example.

[0061] The nozzle 22 includes a spout 122c for pouring out liquid and a nozzle sealing portion 122d formed by an annular rib provided along a peripheral portion of the spout 122c. The spout 122c is provided with a slit valve 124 that opens and closes according to the internal pressure of the liquid storage bottle 100. The slit valve 124 includes a valve body 124a formed of a flexible material and three slits 124b formed in the valve body 124a and intersecting each other, and is capable of sealing the spout 122c in a closed state. In the valve body 124a, six sections 124c are formed by the three slits 124b. Note that the number of the slits 124b is not limited thereto and may be two or four or more. In this case, assuming that the number of the plurality of slits 124b is n, it is preferred that the plurality of slits 124b are formed to be 2n-fold symmetrical with respect to the center of the circular valve body 124a, such as Fig. 9B As shown. Thus, the section 124c can be opened evenly, and the liquid in the liquid storage bottle 100 can be poured out smoothly.

[0062] The bottom surface of the cap 23 (the surface facing the spout 122c) is provided with a cap seal 123b formed of an annular rib and a protrusion 123c protruding toward the slit valve 124. In the case where the cap 23 is mounted on the nozzle 22, the cap seal 123b is fitted to the nozzle seal 122d, thereby functioning as a sealing unit that seals the spout 122c with the nozzle seal 122d. In a state where the spout 122c is sealed by the cap seal 123b and the nozzle seal 122d, the tip end portion of the protrusion 123c faces the valve body 124a of the slit valve 124 at a position away from the intersection 124d of the plurality of slits 124b in the lateral direction. The lateral direction corresponds to the radial direction of the nozzle 22. With such a configuration of the protrusion 123c, as described later, in the case where the internal pressure of the liquid storage bottle 100 is higher than the atmospheric pressure when the cap 23 is opened, the internal pressure can be released. In this example, the protrusion 123 c is provided integrally with the cap 23 ; however, the protrusion 123 c may be provided separately from the cap 23 .

[0063] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11D 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the slit valve 124 and the protrusion 123 c. Fig.11A and Fig. 11Bis a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the slit valve and the protrusion when the cap is opened. In a state where the cap 23 is mounted on the nozzle 22 and the nozzle 122c is sealed, the protrusion 123c faces the valve body 124a at a position away from the intersection 124d of the slit 124b in the lateral direction and does not contact the valve body 124a as described above. In this state, once the cap 23 begins to be opened, the fit between the cap sealing portion 123b and the nozzle sealing portion 122d is released, and the seal of the nozzle 122c is also released. In this process, in a state where the internal pressure of the liquid storage bottle 100 is higher than the atmospheric pressure, the valve body 124a of the slit valve 124 bulges outward and deforms due to the internal pressure of the liquid storage bottle 100, as shown in FIG. Fig.11A Then, once the bulging valve body 124a contacts the protrusion 123c, the slit 124b is opened, the pressure inside the liquid storage bottle 100 is released, and the bulging of the valve body 124a is eliminated. Thereafter, once the cap 23 is removed, the slit 124b is closed and the spout 122c is sealed again, as shown in FIG. Fig. 11B When the liquid is poured from the liquid storage bottle 100 into the liquid tank 12, the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the liquid storage bottle 100 is eliminated, and the spout 122c is in a sealed state. Therefore, when the bottle body 21 is simply tilted, the influence of the pressure required to open the slit 124b on the slit valve 124 is suppressed, and the liquid can be suppressed from leaking from the spout 122c.

[0064] on the other hand, Fig. 11C and Fig.11D is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the slit valve and the protrusion when the cap is closed. Fig. 11C As shown in FIG. 1 , when the internal pressure of the liquid storage bottle 100 increases in a state where the cap 23 is not mounted on the nozzle 22, the valve body 124a of the slit valve 124 bulges outward and deforms. In this state, once the cap 23 starts to be closed, before the cap seal 123b and the nozzle seal 122d are assembled to each other, the protrusion 123c contacts the bulging valve body 124a, as shown in FIG. Fig.11D As shown. As a result, the slit 124b is opened, the pressure in the liquid storage bottle 100 is released, and the bulging of the valve body 124a is eliminated. Thereafter, the slit 124b is closed, and the spout 122c is sealed. Then, while continuing to close the cap 23, the cap seal 123b and the nozzle seal 122d are assembled to each other, and the spout 122c is sealed. In this state, since the bulging of the valve body 124a is eliminated, the protrusion 123c faces the valve body 124a at a position away from the intersection 124d of the slit 124b in the lateral direction and does not contact the valve body 124a.

[0065] With this configuration, even in the case where the internal pressure of the liquid storage bottle 100 increases, since the protrusion 123c contacts the slit valve 124 when the cap 23 is opened and closed, the internal pressure can be released to the outside. Note that the length of the protrusion 123c is not particularly limited, and the length can be set to an optimal length according to the deformation amount of the valve body 124a actually deformed due to the increase in the internal pressure of the liquid storage bottle 100. For example, in the case where the deformation amount of the valve body 124a is relatively small, the tip end portion of the protrusion 123c can contact the valve body 124a without causing deformation of the valve body 124a in a state where the spout 122c is sealed by the cap seal 123b and the nozzle seal 122d.

[0066] Note that, Fig.10 The configuration shown can also be applied to the case where only the protrusion 123c is brought into contact with the bulging valve body 124a. That is, in the state where the cap 23 is mounted on the nozzle 22 (in the state where the spout 122c is sealed), the tip end portion of the protrusion 123c can be made to face the intersection 124d of the slit 124b. However, in this case, depending on the thickness of the protrusion 123c, in the case where the valve body 124a is bulging, the protrusion 123c is inserted into the slit 124b near the intersection 124d. In addition, in some cases, even if the protrusion 123c is inserted in this way, the closed state of the slit 124b can be maintained. As a result, even if the protrusion 123c is brought into contact with the bulging valve body 124a, the pressure inside the liquid storage bottle 100 is not released. In this regard, in a state where the spout 122c is sealed, the tip end portion of the protrusion 123c preferably faces the valve body 124a of the slit valve 124 at a position away from the intersection 124d of the plurality of slits 124b in the lateral direction.

[0067] (Double hole configuration)

[0068] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is a diagram depicting a nozzle having a dual-hole configuration. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 22. Fig. 12A As shown, the nozzle unit 110 protrudes from the outer surface of the bottom wall 111 of the nozzle 22 in the first direction 134. That is, in a state where the nozzle 22 is mounted on the bottle body 21, the nozzle unit 110 protrudes from the bottle body 21 in the first direction 134 via the nozzle 22. The nozzle unit 110 may protrude from the bottom wall 111 in the first direction 134 and also protrude from the bottom wall 111 in the second direction 135. In this case, the nozzle is provided to penetrate the bottom wall 111.

[0069] The nozzle unit 110 has a generally cylindrical shape. The nozzle unit 110 includes an outer peripheral surface 112 whose cross section is a circular surface. An outer peripheral surface 113 as a part of the outer peripheral surface 112 has a tapered shape and is inclined from the bottom wall 111 toward the first direction 134 along the direction in which the diameter of the outer peripheral circle decreases. With this shape, the nozzle unit 110 can be smoothly moved while being continuously inserted into the tank from the distal end side away from the bottle body 21. It is noted that in the nozzle unit 110, the outer peripheral surface can extend in a vertical direction, wherein the outer peripheral circle diameter from the bottom wall 111 to the end does not change. In addition, the nozzle unit 110 can have a shape other than a columnar shape and can be, for example, a square column shape.

[0070] The nozzle unit 110 includes a channel 90 through which ink or gas flows. The channel 90 passes through the nozzle 22 along the first direction 134. The channel 90 extends along the first direction 134; however, it is not limited thereto, and the channel 90 may be curved. The cross-sectional shape of the channel 90 may be circular or a shape other than a circular shape. In a state where the nozzle 22 is mounted on the bottle body 21, one end of the channel 90 is communicated with the bottle body 21 through an opening 93. The other end of the channel is communicated with the outside of the nozzle 22 through an opening 94 on the distal side of the nozzle. The opening 93 is circular. Note that the opening 93 may have a shape other than a circular shape. In addition, as long as the opening 93 is formed in the proximal portion of the nozzle unit 110, it is not limited to the proximal surface 114. The opening 94 is formed in the end surface 115, which forms the end portion of the nozzle unit 110 in the first direction 134. The opening 94 has a circular shape. Note that the opening 94 may also have a shape other than a circular shape.

[0071] like Fig. 12BAs shown, the nozzle unit 110 may include a first channel 191 and a second channel 192 as two channels 190. The first channel 191 and the second channel 192 may have the same length or different lengths along the flow direction of the ink. In addition, the first channel 191 and the second channel 192 may have the same cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area, or different cross-sectional shapes and cross-sectional areas. In addition, the number of multiple channels 190 may be greater than two. In the case where multiple channels 190 are included, the lengths and shapes of the channels 190 may be the same or different. In the case where the nozzle unit 110 includes two channels 190, the openings 193 and 195 formed in the proximal portion are formed in the same surface. However, the openings 193 and 195 may be formed in different surfaces. The first opening 194 and the second opening 196 are formed in the end surface 115, which forms the end portion of the nozzle unit 110 in the first direction 134. However, as long as the first opening 194 and the second opening 196 are formed in the end portion of the nozzle unit 110, it is not limited to the end surface 115. The first opening 194 and the second opening 196 have a circular shape. Note that the first opening 194 and the second opening 196 may have shapes other than a circle.

[0072] The end portion of the nozzle unit 110 is, for example, a portion formed by the end surface 115 and the outer peripheral surface 112 of the nozzle unit 110. The nozzle unit 110 includes a recess 116 located on the outer peripheral surface 112. The recess 116 is separated by the end surface 115 and the inner peripheral surface 118 (one surface of the side surface) of the circular ring rib 117 protruding from the outer edge portion of the end surface 115 along the first direction 134. That is, the end surface 115 is recessed from the end of the nozzle unit 110 (the end of the circular ring rib 117). The inner peripheral surface 118 extends toward the outer edge of the end surface 115 as it advances from the end surface 115 along the first direction 134. That is, the inner peripheral surface 118 is inclined in the direction in which the diameter of the recess 116 increases while extending along the first direction 134. Note that the inner peripheral surface 118 may extend without being inclined along the first direction 134. In addition, the nozzle unit 110 may not include the recess 116. That is, the tip end portion of the nozzle unit 110 may not be recessed.

[0073] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A liquid storage bottle, comprising: a bottle body storing liquid; a nozzle from which the liquid stored in the bottle body is ejected; and a cap that seals the nozzle, wherein In a first curved portion between a bottom surface and a side surface of the bottle body in a cross section of the bottle body along a vertical direction, a curvature radius of an inner wall is greater than a curvature radius of an outer wall.

2. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 1, wherein: In a second curved portion between the top surface and the side surface of the bottle body, a curvature radius of the inner wall is greater than a curvature radius of the outer wall.

3. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 1, wherein: The wall thickness of the bottom surface of the liquid storage bottle is greater than the wall thickness of the side surface.

4. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 1, wherein: The bottle body is formed of a recycled plastic material or a resin material which is a mixture of recycled plastic materials.

5. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 4, wherein: The recycled plastic material is a mixture of one or more of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS).

6. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 1, wherein: The bottle body contains more than 5wt% of recycled plastic materials.

7. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 1, wherein: The curvature radius of the inner wall of the first curved portion of the bottle body is within a range of 1.0 mm to 50 mm.

8. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 1, wherein: The curvature radius of the outer wall of the first curved portion of the bottle body is within a range of 0.5 mm to 50 mm.

9. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 2, wherein: The curvature radius of the inner wall of the second curved portion of the bottle body is within a range of 1.0 mm to 50 mm.

10. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 2, wherein: The curvature radius of the outer wall of the second curved portion of the bottle body is within a range of 0.5 mm to 50 mm.

11. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the bottom surface of the bottle body is within a range of 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less.

12. The liquid storage bottle according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the side surface of the bottle body is within a range of 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm.

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